What Is the Boca Raton Museum of Art?

Established in 1940, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is located in Florida. It houses an extensive number of artworks created by famous 18th- through 20th-century European and American artists, including Degas, Matisse, and Picasso. The museum also features the Jean and David Colker Collection of Pre-Colombian art as well as abstract sculptures from the 1970s and 1980s. The Boca Raton Museum of Art was started by a group of civic-minded individuals who wanted to bring the arts to their community.

The building was originally known as the Art Guild of Boca Raton. It was built in 1962 and housed the museum until 2001, when it became an art school. The Boca Raton Musuem of Art shares 5.7 acres with an outdoor amphitheater that will one day become an upgraded concert hall. Some of the featured attractions include four Matisse charcoal and ink prints and three paper works by Picasso. The majority of the museum’s works were created by French and English artists. Another main exhibit features European paintings and sculptures from 1775 though 1945.

Outside artists from southern U.S. communities are featured in one of the museum's exhibits. These self-taught artists include Alpha Andrews, Lonnie Holey, and Jeff Payne. Their works come from the Ann and Ted Oliver collection, and the exhibition is called "Outsider Visions." Ann and Ted Oliver have spent the majority of 30 years collecting southern contemporary folk art. Visitors can view Alabama-born Mose Tolliver's "Siamese Twins" painting, which depicts a world of conjoined twins. Visitors will learn the historical context of southern artists in this exhibition at the museum.

The Boca Raton Museum of Art provides a friends auxiliary program for anyone interested in volunteering their time to support the visual arts. This organization brings people of all backgrounds together who share common interests to actively make a difference by planning and fundraising as well starting other programs that will benefit the museum. The museum implements this program for local citizens to give back to the community through a leadership role.

Offering art lectures, educational programs, and classes, the Boca Raton Museum of Art provides a well-rounded experience for any visitor. Special programs for families and children are offered on the weekends. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on the weekends from noon to 5:00 p.m. There is a standard admission rate for adults and children.