The Midwest Museum of American Art is a gem sitting right in the center of downtown Elkhart, Indiana. The non-profit museum has 1,200+ artifacts and works on display, 6,800+ items in their permanent collection, and 20,000+ square feet of gallery space that is constantly occupied by local and legendary artists. We had the pleasure of being given an overview of the museum by current curator Brian Byrn.
The beautiful building that houses the art museum is the former St. Joseph Valley Bank. In 1979, the Burns family who collected American Art, bought the building and made it into a museum. Hundreds of collectors and artists have donated their work to the permanent collection on site since then, accumulating an extensive collection. Much of the art featured is by major American artists hailing from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
When you think of classic American Art, you may think of Norman Rockwell, a painter and illustrator who captured the essence of everyday American life. The Midwest Museum has the largest collections of signed and numbered, limited edition collotypes and stone lithographs by Rockwell. There are a total of 68 onsite.
Another iconic Americana painter, Grant Wood, best known for his haunting depiction of Midwest farmlife in American Gothic (1930), has eight original signed lithographs in the museum’s collection. The painting Sheaves of Corn (1931) has become an attraction for Wood fans and art lovers alike. Other notable artists whose work can be found in the museum are Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Ivan Allbright, and the largest Overbeck Art Pottery collection in Indiana.
While the museum always has pieces from its own permanent collection on display, exhibits travel to Elkhart frequently and display other art from around the world. The current exhibits featured at the museum are various Prints and Drawings from the permanent collection, Made in Michiana that features sculpture, paintings, and ceramics, as well as People and Places 1873-2000: A Selection of Photographs curated by Ronn Brown.
The museum and gift shop are open Wednesday through Friday from 11AM – 5PM and Saturday through Sunday 1PM to 5PM. The museum remains closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and all holidays. Adult admission is $15.00 per person, $10.00 per children 12 and under, and children under 3 are free.