Founded in 1975 and accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1987, the Missoula (Montana) Art Museum (MAM) is emerging as the leading contemporary art museum in the Intermountain West. MAM is a spectacular attraction in the heart of Missoula's historic downtown: a fully accessible, free, public museum that boasts eight exhibition spaces, a library, education center, and an inviting information lounge.
The MAM facility includes the old Carnegie Public Library building, a neo-classical design by Missoula architect A.J. Gibson. The library occupied the building from about 1903 until 1974.
Shown above is Goodbye to the Girls of Galena Street by Rudy Autio (1926-2007), made of clay and glaze in 1986.
Shown above is Café Table II, One-Part Chairs by Scott Burton (1939-1989), made about 1987 from polished granite.
One of MAM’s galleries recently featured the work of Doug Turman. Turman produced 170 Love Notes between 2001 and 2009.
Shown above is one of the galleries.
Shown above is Stephen Braun’s wall-based sculpture Montana Legacy which depicts environmental destruction, land use issues, the mining, timber and oil industries, and humanity’s disassociation from nature. The sculpture is constructed from 91 separate bas-relief ceramic tiles that collectively form a map of Montana.
Shown above is Bison by Blackfoot artist Jay Laber (1961-2019).
Shown above is Finds His Spot by Blackfoot artist Jay Laber (1961-2019).
More Museums
Museums 101: The San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Hagerman Valley Historical Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Museum of North Idaho (photo diary)
Museums 101: The Heritage Museum in Libby, Montana (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Rocky Mountain Military Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: World Museum of Mining (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Swan Valley Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Hood River Historical Museum (Photo Diary)
