Elevating Bozeman, MT as the art-centric mountain town we know and love. BAM’s mission is to inspire and foster creativity and love of art through high-quality exhibits, programs, classes and lectures.
Our vision includes securing land and funding for a standalone permanent building where we can advance our programs to accommodate rotating exhibits, a permanent collection, access to our three libraries of art history books, and accessibility to over 85,000 visitors per year. Your support makes these dreams a reality – we are still looking to secure land & funds for our permanent location. Visit our current space at 2612 W Main St to learn more!
Why a museum?
As a non-profit, we are able to secure grant funding to teach classes for local kids & adults, bring opportunities to up & coming artists, and collect, preserve & borrow high quality fine art from other nationally renowned museums for the Bozeman community to enjoy. While selling work is a large part of some of our exhibits, our mission is to create community and share powerful artwork for free. A museum, unlike a gallery or teaching organization, allows us to dive into each one of these missions under one name.
Currently, we have a gallery space right off of main nestled between the Frugal Frame Shop and Distinctive Lighting at 2612 W Main St, Suite B. We also have a strong youth & lifetime education program that has been operating since 2017. Our classes provide high quality fine art classes for free to over 12 elementary schools, YMCA, Eagle Mount, Bozeman Public Library, Homeschoolers, Gallatin County Rest Home & The Springs. See our education page for current class programming.
Example BAM design rendering by MSU Masters in Architecture student, Eleanor Usik
Building Timeline
Phase One: 2020
Completed!
Three years ago, our focus was on securing funding commitments to support our first space. Our goal was to find approximately 2,500 sq ft of easily accessible space with a five-year lease. We wanted this space to be inviting, fun, and inspiring with classroom and workshop areas and about 1,500 sq. ft. to host revolving art exhibits. We opened our first home in January at 2612 W. Main Steet in Bozeman. Like everything Bozeman Art Museum does, our Phase One programming will progressively expand. Our plan is to always offer at least three art exhibits each year. Each exhibit will showcase art loaned from private collections, art galleries, and museums. As our staffing and volunteer capacity grows, so will our hours of operations. By the end of year three, we intend to be open full-time with trained staff and docents to provide for attendee’s comfort and education. As we build our capacity for exhibit accessibility, we will also be building our financial resources through a membership program.
Phase Two: 2025
In Progress…
Phase Two will consist of securing property and breaking ground on the first stage of our permanent building. We project this space to be approximately 5,000 square feet and provide additional exhibit space for both permanent and rotating collections as well as expanded classroom and programming space. Our estimates for land and Stage 1 building is approximately $3,500,000.
We are currently scouting potential land opportunities & funding sources – Please reach out to our director Linda@bozemanartmuseum.org to see where we are at in our phase two goals & find out how you can help make our vision a reality.
Phase Three: 2030
The time between Phase Two and Three will be devoted to strengthening our capacity (donors, members, staff, programming, operations) to build and operate the Bozeman Art Museum. This facility will be a 50,000 square foot accredited museum providing space for more permanent and rotating art exhibits, expanded space for Bozeman Art Museum’s signature community and youth programming, art collection storage space, offices, a lecture hall, a museum store, and possibly a small cafe.
To reach these goals we need your help!
Visit our current location at 2612 W Main & donate to help make these goals a reality.
Additional space would allow us to expand our programming to include:
- Family Programs that will introduce children and adults to the varied world of art through guided tours, vacation programs, events, and various activities.
- Adult Programs that will explore the complexities of art through a variety of programs that are accessible to audiences of all levels. Visitors will choose from several educational formats—tours, films, lectures, gallery talks, and readings that illuminate the connection of art to culture and history.
- More Workshops by nationally known artists that provide an opportunity for learners to study with career artists who can enhance their capabilities.
- School Tours designed to enrich school curricula and reflect the Bozeman Art Museum’s approach to engaging students in dialogue as they look at selected works of art.
- Teachers and Educators will be given guided tours, hands-on or studio activities, resource materials, and will enjoy discussions about integrating art and culture into classroom learning.
- Docent Training to provide volunteers the opportunity to lead visitors in the study of the history of art, the elements of art, museum education, and the study of the Museum’s collection.
- Internships to cultivate the next generation of museum and art supporters, enthusiasts and professionals.
