Masur Museum of Art facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masur House
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1400 South Grand St. Monroe, Louisiana |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1914 |
| Architect | Clarence Edward Slagle |
| Architectural style | Modified Tudor |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002789 |
| Added to NRHP | July 22, 1982 |
The Masur Museum of Art is a cool place to visit in Monroe, Louisiana, in the United States. It's the biggest visual arts museum in the northeast part of Louisiana. This museum is actually inside a former home, called the Masur House. It's also known as the Slagle-Masur House. This historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house was built in 1929 in a special style called modified Tudor. It was added to the National Register in 1982 because of its unique architecture. In 1963, the Masur family gave their home to the city of Monroe. They wanted it to become a museum for everyone to enjoy.
The museum's main goal is to support art in the community. It does this by showing different art exhibits. Some art is from their own collection, and some are temporary shows. They also have fun educational programs for both kids and adults. You can attend talks, watch films, and meet artists in the Lower River Gallery. The Carriage House is used for art classes, summer art camps, and workshops. The best part? It's free to visit the museum!
The museum has many famous artworks. You can see pieces by artists like Thomas Hart Benton, Mary Cassatt, Philip Guston, and Pablo Picasso. They also have art by Louisiana artists like Lynda Benglis and George Rodrigue. Some artworks are on loan and change over time. These might include pieces by Marc Chagall or Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
History of the Masur Museum Building
The Masur Museum of Art started as a private home. It was built in 1929 for a lumberman named Clarence Edward Slagle and his wife, Mabel. The house was made with special materials. Indiana limestone and Pennsylvania blue slate were brought by boat. They traveled along different waterways to the beautiful Ouachita River. This river runs right behind the house. The Slagles named their new home "Grey Gables."
Originally, the property had a lovely English-style rose garden. There was also a large lawn that stretched down to the river. In the 1930s, the Army Corps of Engineers built a levee system. This meant the home's carriage house had to be moved. It only moved about twenty feet behind the new levee.
From Home to Museum
Clarence Slagle passed away in 1934. His wife soon sold the house to the Masur family. Sigmund and Beatrice Masur lived there with their children. Their children were Sylvian, Jack, and Bertha Marie. The Masur family lived in the home until the 1960s.
In 1963, the Masur children decided to donate the house. They gave it to the City of Monroe. They wanted it to become a fine art museum. At first, volunteers and helpers ran the museum. They organized art shows and classes. In 1974, the Twin City Art Foundation was created. This group helps the museum even more. They provide money for exhibits, programs, and new art. Today, the Masur Museum works together with the City of Monroe and the Twin City Art Foundation. It's a key part of the City of Monroe's Department of Community Affairs.
