Muskegon Museum of Art

Established

At his death in 1905, lumber baron Charles H. Hackley established, through a bequest to Muskegon Public Schools, the Hackley Picture Fund to purchase "paintings of the very best kind" for display in Hackley Library, which was owned and operated by the School Board. When it became apparent that a true art collection needed a home of its own, the Muskegon Board of Education decided to honor Charles Hackley and his gift by constructing an art gallery. Construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1912.

Mission

The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded on a tradition of aesthetic excellence, is committed to fostering the life-long study and appreciation of the visual arts by strengthening, preserving, and exhibiting its collections; offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary exhibitions; stimulating learning and creativity through diverse public and educational programming; and enhancing community involvement and support in a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment.

Services

The Muskegon Museum of Art provides West Michigan access to a world-class collection of visual art - paintings, prints, sculpture and glass - enhanced by a wide range of temporary exhibitions. Educational programs, including classes, family programs, lectures, and hands-on activities, as well guided tours, provide a context for interpretation of the collection and make it accessible to diverse audiences. Books and unique gift items may be purchased in the Museum Gift Store. On Thursdays, the museum is open until 8:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m. June through August)

Programs

The museum sponsors guided tours, classes, family activities, film showings, lectures, and other programs related to temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection. Speakers on the museum, its collection and its activities are also available. The museum's collaborative efforts are on-going and have included shared projects with other Michigan museums, West Michigan colleges and universities, The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, the Muskegon County Museum, the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, the Muskegon Civic Theatre, the LST 393 Landing Ship Museum, the Muskegon Area Arts and Humanities Festival Committee, the South Haven Maritime Museum, and downtown Muskegon retailers.

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