Lancaster Museum of Art
Our growth and evolution from a community gallery to a contemporary art museum with a well-deserved reputation for the presentation of excellent local and national exhibitions as well as diverse educational programs is summarized in the following history:
1966: A group of local artists and citizens respond to a need for a community art gallery in Lancaster. Franklin & Marshall College extends an invitation to locate a gallery on its campus, and assumes managerial support. The gallery, known as the Goethean Hall Gallery of Art, served the community well as a place for the display and study of fine art.
1968: Community support for the Goethean Gallery grows, and a Gallery Council is created as an advisory board to oversee the current use and future direction of the gallery. The Council explores options that move the Gallery toward a self-sustaining fine art museum and cultural center, and changes the name of the Gallery to the Community Gallery of Lancaster as a more accurate reflection of its local heritage and autonomy.
1970's: The Community Gallery of Lancaster moves directly into downtown Lancaster with its first "off campus" location on Grant Street, adjacent to Lancaster's historic Central Market. Programs grow rapidly in size and scope, and the Gallery establishes a well-deserved reputation for the presentation of top-notch exhibitions and programs.
1979: Once again, the Community Gallery experiences space limitations that impede further growth, particularly in the area of educational programming and classroom space. The Community Gallery selects the city-owned Grubb mansion on the edge of one of Lancaster's most beautiful parks as the new home of the Community Gallery of Lancaster. Focus on education is paramount during this time, and the Gallery develops educational programs and classes offered on a regular schedule, finally fulfilling the vision of the original founders as a place for the study of art.
1990's: The true form and function of the Museum came to fruition. The new space not only allowed for the presentation of extraordinary exhibitions featuring both local and international artists, but it also finally gave the Gallery space to develop vibrant education programs and classes. The expansion of the Gallery's education programs and offerings lead to a decision in the in the mid 1990's to change the name from the Community Gallery of Lancaster to the Lancaster Museum of Art.
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