Located at North Main Street in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art aims to embody the essence of the spirit underlying the magnificent history of the nation through its representation in the changing art forms.
The museum was established in 1949 as the Woods Marchand Foundation on property which was donated by a local connoisseur Mary Marchand Woods to allow the residents of Pittsburgh to view art of national and international repute. In subsequent years, the museum has developed a comprehensive collection of art created by noteworthy American artists with a particular emphasis on artists hailing from the mid-eighteenth century up to the mid-twentieth century. Besides these, there is also a section dedicated to the creations of southwestern Pennsylvania artists in an attempt to promote local talent.
Besides the permanent collection, the museum also hosts several exhibitions from time to time, which include the Holiday toy and train exhibition, appropriately titled 'Let's Play!' Past exhibitions have included the Melting and Blooming exhibition of glass art by Joelle Levitt and the reputed 'All that is Glorious around Us: Paintings from the Hudson River School' exhibition which allowed visitors a unique eyelet into one of the most coveted and eclectic private collections of this genre. The museum showcases art in all its diverse charm with photography and sculptures juxtaposed with exquisite paintings and handcrafts.
Children will delight in the KidSpace where they can make their first foray into the world of art through quaint collections of folk art, a gamut of thinking and writing activities as well as a well-appointed reading corner. A visit to the museum is far from complete without stopping by at the Museum Shop, where you can browse through an array of books, CDs, posters and prints which make excellent gift ideas.
You can visit the museum on either a docent-guided tour, or even self guide yourself if you are visiting in a group of less than 10 members. The museum requires you to call ahead for self-guided meanderings, while guided tours are scheduled to last for around 45 breathtaking minutes and are charged at about $4 per person. The museum is open to visitors from 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours from 11 am to 9 pm on Thursdays. For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.wmuseumaa.org or call the Westmoreland Museum of American Art at (724) 837-1500.
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
221 North Main Street,
Greensburg, PA 15601
