Pensacola Museum of Art facts for kids
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| Established | 1954 |
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| Location | 407 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, Florida |
| Type | Art museum |
| Accreditation | American Alliance of Museums |
The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) is a cool art museum located in downtown Pensacola, Florida. It's a special place where you can see amazing artworks. The PMA is officially recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. This means it meets high standards for museums. A group of women from the American Association of University Women started it in 1954. Since 2016, the museum has been part of the University of West Florida Art Museum.
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History of the Museum
From Jail to Art Museum
The building where the museum is today has an interesting past. In 1906, the City of Pensacola built it to be its first permanent jail. But by 1954, the city needed a bigger jail. So, the old building became empty.
That same year, a group called the Pensacola Art Association (PAA) was formed. They were members of the American Association of University Women. This group saw a great opportunity in the old jail. The building was strong and in a central part of Pensacola. The city let them rent the old jail for just $1 a year!
The PAA worked hard to change the jail cells into cool spaces for art exhibits. In 1982, the PAA officially became the Pensacola Museum of Art. A few years later, in 1988, the museum bought the building.
Becoming Part of a University
In July 2016, the Pensacola Museum of Art joined the University of West Florida. This means the museum is now part of the university's art program. It helps students learn about art and museum work.
The museum has been "accredited" by the American Alliance of Museums since 2001. This accreditation shows that the museum is well-run and takes good care of its art.
What Art Can You See?
The museum started collecting art soon after it opened in 1954. Its main collection focuses on art from the 20th century and today. This includes modern art and contemporary art. You can see different types of art like painting, sculpture, and drawings.
The museum also has other interesting items. It has beautiful decorative arts like European and American glass. You can also find African tribal art in its collection.
Famous Artists in the Collection
The Pensacola Museum of Art has works by many famous artists. Some of these artists include Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. You can also see art by Leonard Baskin, Salvador Dalí, and Thomas Hart Benton.
Other well-known artists in the collection are Louis Comfort Tiffany and Käthe Kollwitz. You might also find art by John Marin, Miriam Schapiro, and Fairfield Porter. The museum also features works by Hunt Slonem, Alex Katz, Lynda Benglis, and Milton Avery.
