Masur Museum of Art facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Masur House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1400 South Grand St. Monroe, Louisiana |
|---|---|
| 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 explore art in Monroe, Louisiana, in the United States. It's the biggest art museum in northeast Louisiana! This museum is located in what used to be the Masur family's home. This historic house is also known as the Masur House or the Slagle-Masur House.
The house was built in 1929 in a special style called modified Tudor. Because of its unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. In 1963, the Masur family gave their home to the city of Monroe so it could become an art museum for everyone to enjoy.
The museum's main goal is to support and share visual arts in the community. They do this by showing different art exhibits, some from their own collection and some that visit for a short time. They also have fun and educational programs for both kids and adults. You can attend talks, watch films, and listen to artists share their stories in the Lower River Gallery. The Carriage House is a busy spot for art classes, summer art camps, and workshops. The best part? It's free to visit the museum!
The museum has an amazing collection of art by famous artists. Some of these include Thomas Hart Benton, Mary Cassatt, Philip Guston, Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Pablo Picasso, and Auguste Rodin. They also have works by Salvador Dalí, Alex Katz, Fairfield Porter, and Georges Rouault. The collection also features talented artists who have connections to Louisiana, like Lynda Benglis, Clyde Connell, Alexander John Drysdale, John Geldersma, Ida Kohlmeyer, Eugene J. Martin, and George Rodrigue. Plus, some artworks are on loan and shown at different times, including pieces by Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
History of the Masur House
The building that is now 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 like Indiana limestone and Pennsylvania blue slate. These materials traveled a long way on waterways to reach the beautiful Ouachita River, which flows behind the estate.
The Slagles named their new home "Grey Gables." When it was first built, the property had a lovely English-style rose garden. There was also a large lawn that stretched all the way down to the river. In the 1930s, the Army Corps of Engineers built a levee system nearby. This meant the home's carriage house had to be moved, but only about twenty feet behind the new levee.
From Home to Museum
Clarence Slagle passed away in 1934. Soon after, his wife sold the home to the Masur family. Sigmund and Beatrice Masur lived in the house with their children, Sylvian, Jack, and Bertha Marie, until the 1960s.
In 1963, the Masur children decided to donate their family home to the City of Monroe. They wanted it to become a fine art museum for everyone to enjoy. At first, the museum started showing art and offering art education thanks to many dedicated volunteers.
In 1974, the Twin City Art Foundation was created. This foundation helps support the museum even more. They provide money for new art exhibits, educational programs, and for adding to the museum's permanent collection. Today, the Masur Museum works together with both the City of Monroe and the Twin City Art Foundation. It is part of the Department of Community Affairs within the City of Monroe.
