The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a non-profit museum and school that works to spread the value and beauty of the visual arts in this part of the country. This very popular spot in the city of Kalamazoo has 100,000 visitors per year and more than 4,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints. Learn about American, African, Asian and pre-Columbian art. Engage in interesting lectures and entertaining events.
The permanent collection of the museum has 4,700 works. Admire a display that focuses on American paintings, sculptures and ceramics and also includes pre-Columbian gold and European photographs and prints. See pieces of art from China, Japan, Africa and Oceania. Visual art from pre-Columbian aboriginal people includes golden pendants and necklaces.
The museum houses a precious Tiffany Collection, in which elegant pieces such as a golden brooch, vases, lamps and mosaics are displayed. There are also valuable photographs, including a portrait of the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí taken by the Hungarian photographer Brassaï.
Among the exhibits on display, admire drawings from the Spanish painter Francisco Goya and the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall.
In 1961 the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts was relocated to its current facility, a beautiful building based on plans of the internationally acclaimed architect Mies van der Rohe and built by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Take photos of the façade and wander inside to enjoy the art library, the interactive gallery for kids, the auditorium, the galleries and the museum shop.
Check the art school's calendar of events to find a workshop or lecture that you can join while you are in Kalamazoo. The program includes special tours, film projections, art classes and trivia nights.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is located in the city center of Kalamazoo in western Michigan. Find free parking across from the entrances on Lovell and South streets.