Susquehanna Art Museum facts for kids
The museum as seen in February 2020
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| Established | 1989 |
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| Location | 1401 North Third Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17102, United States |
| Type | Art museum |
| Visitors | 16,555 (2019) |
| Architect | EwingCole |
| Public transit access | Capital Area Transit |
| Nearest parking | On-site & on-street |
The Susquehanna Art Museum is a special place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where you can explore amazing art. It's a museum that doesn't aim to make money (a non-profit). It's located right in the middle of Harrisburg, which is the capital city of Pennsylvania.
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About the Susquehanna Art Museum
The idea for the Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM) started in 1989. A group of art teachers in central Pennsylvania thought Harrisburg needed its own art museum. They wanted a place that was new, important, and exciting for everyone.
They worked with people from the community and local businesses. Many volunteers also helped to create the museum.
What You Can See at SAM
Today, SAM is the only art museum just for art in Central Pennsylvania. It puts on shows that celebrate the many different cultures in the community. You can see art from local, regional, national, and even international artists.
The museum is also part of a group called the North American Reciprocal Museum Association. This means if you're a member, you might get into other museums for free!
Art on the Go: VanGo!
SAM has a cool program called VanGo! Museum on Wheels. This program brings real artworks to thousands of students every year. It helps kids who might not otherwise get to see original art.
VanGo! teaches all children that they are creative. It helps them develop important skills like solving problems and thinking carefully.
Learning and Exploring Art
SAM wants to help visitors of all ages learn about and enjoy art and culture. They have many educational programs to make your visit better. These include classes, talks, workshops, and discussions for adults.
For young people, SAM offers art programs where you can learn about drawing, painting, and sculpture. You can also learn about art history and how to appreciate art. It's a special chance to learn from real artworks right in the museum.
Where the Museum Is Located
On January 16, 2015, the Susquehanna Art Museum moved to its new home. It's now in a building that used to be called the Keystone Trust Building. You can find it at 1401 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
The Museum's Old Home
Before 2015, the museum was in the center of Harrisburg's main business area. It was in a building known as the Kunkel Building, or Feller Building. This building is at 301 Market Street.
The Kunkel Building was first built in 1913 as a bank. Later, it became a department store. Now, it's a dormitory for students at Harrisburg University. There's even a Subway restaurant on the first floor!
The outside of the building is special. It has white, shiny terracotta, which is a type of clay. This makes the building look unique and interesting. In 1925, more parts were added to the back of the building. These new parts matched the original style. The Kunkel Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical building.
