Allentown Art Museum

The Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley is a significant art institution located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded on March 17, 1934, during the Great Depression by a group led by the Pennsylvania impressionist painter Walter Emerson Baum, the museum was initially established as the Allentown Art Gallery. It has since evolved into a major cultural resource for the Lehigh Valley region, showcasing a diverse collection of art spanning nearly two millennia.

History

The museum's early years were marked by a strong focus on local artists. It opened in the Hunsicker School with an exhibition of 70 canvases by Pennsylvania impressionist painters, quickly gaining traction within the local art community. In 1936, the city of Allentown provided a permanent home for the museum in a Federal-style house in Cedar Park, which had formerly been used as a city-owned facility.

A pivotal moment for the museum came in 1959 when it received a substantial donation of 53 Renaissance and Baroque artworks from Samuel H. Kress, a native of nearby Cherryville, Pennsylvania. This gift catapulted the museum into greater prominence, prompting the purchase and renovation of a building originally constructed in 1902 for the First Presbyterian Church, where it resides today.

In 1975, the museum underwent significant expansion, with enhancements to its facilities that included the installation of a room designed by notable architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The collection expanded significantly during these years, incorporating European paintings, textiles, and notable pieces such as Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Ann Penn Allen.

A major renovation project was completed between 2010 and 2011, which added approximately 10,000 square feet of additional gallery and public space. This expansion allowed the museum to modernize its facilities while continuing to grow its extensive collection.

Collections

The Allentown Art Museum boasts a collection of over 19,000 works of art, making it a vital cultural institution in the region. The collection includes:

• American Paintings and Sculpture: Spanning from the mid-18th century to contemporary works.

• European Paintings and Sculptures: Featuring significant pieces from the Old Masters.

• Decorative Arts: Including ceramics and metalwork from the arts-and-crafts movement.

• Textiles and Costumes: An extensive range covering 16 centuries and five continents.

• Works on Paper: A comprehensive collection of unique prints and drawings.

The museum also houses a library and archives with over 16,000 titles and numerous periodicals, further enriching its role as an educational resource.

Educational Programs

The Allentown Art Museum is committed to fostering arts education and community engagement. It offers various programs for students and adults, including:

• Grade-specific tours that provide interactive learning experiences.

• Outreach programs connecting students to cultural contexts behind the art.

• Multi-visit programs focusing on deeper understanding of the arts.

• An annual Poetry Out Loud competition for regional students.

• Group tours designed for adult and college attendees.

Land Acknowledgment

The museum acknowledges its location in Lënapehòkink, the unceded homeland of the Lenape people. The institution recognizes the historical injustices faced by the Lenape, including the land's seizure in the 18th century, and is committed to fostering a space for inclusion and collaboration in line with its mission to share global artistic traditions.

Through its ongoing initiatives, exhibitions, and programming, the Allentown Art Museum serves as a vibrant hub for art appreciation and cultural discourse within the community.