Tyler Museum of Art facts for kids
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| Established | 1971 |
|---|---|
| Type | Contemporary Texas artists Mexican folk art |
The Tyler Museum of Art is a special place in Tyler, Texas, where you can see amazing art. It's in Smith County, Texas, which is part of the big U.S. state of Texas. This museum is a private group that helps people learn about art. It's officially recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has a collection of art that stays there all the time, and many pieces are by artists from Texas.
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How the Museum Started
In the early 1900s, the city of Tyler, Texas, grew a lot. This was because of the flower business and the oil industry. These industries helped the local economy become much stronger. Also, Camp Fannin during World War II and new factories brought more people to the area.
A group of local citizens realized that Tyler needed an art museum. By 1952, there was no art museum within 100 miles of the city. To help schools teach art, the Community Arts Committee was formed. This group was part of the Tyler Service League.
For eight years, a group of volunteer women from the League helped out. They called themselves the Picture Ladies. They created a kind of traveling museum. Each week, they would take pictures to different classrooms. From 1960 to 1965, their efforts became more permanent. The League bought a local house to be the museum's first home.
In 1965, the house was sold. The money from the sale helped build what is now the Tyler Museum of Art. In 1969, the Tyler Service League changed its name. It became the non-profit Tyler Junior League.
About the Museum Building
The new museum building was designed by E. Davis Wilcox and Associates. It is about 17,000 square feet and has two floors. The grand opening was on April 1, 1971. The museum is located on the east side of the Tyler Junior College.
Inside the building, there are three art galleries. Two of the galleries are large, about 2,000 square feet each. There is also a smaller gallery that is about 1,000 square feet.
Art and Activities at the Museum
Since 1971, the museum has collected more than 1,500 artworks. These pieces are part of its permanent collection. The museum also supports young artists in the area. It holds an annual art exhibition for high school students.
Throughout the year, the museum offers many activities. These include tours, workshops, lectures, and films. They have also hosted events like a Texas Writers' Series. People who want to help can become "Docents." Docents are volunteers who guide visitors and share information about the art.
The museum is officially recognized by the American Alliance of Museums. A group of trustees helps manage the museum's activities. The museum gets money from public donations. It also receives some help from the local city government. The local school district helps pay for the museum's educational programs.
Visiting the Museum
The Tyler Museum of Art is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. On Sundays, it is open from 1 PM to 5 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. There is a fee to enter the museum.
You can also find the TMA Café on-site, which serves lunch. There is also a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs and art-related items.
Other Places to Explore in Tyler
- Carnegie History Center
- Cotton Belt Depot Train Museum
- Goodman-LeGrand House
- List of museums in East Texas
- Whitaker-McClendon House
