What Is the Mobile Museum of Art?

The Mobile Museum of Art displays art works for residents and visitors to Mobile, Alabama, in the United States. Art exhibitions are featured from Europe as well as North and South America. In addition, the museum often focuses on artists from the southern portion of the United States. While some museums concentrate on one period or era, the Mobile Museum of Art provides an eclectic assortment of exhibitions to include historic, contemporary, and mixed period art.

The museum's history dates back to 1963, when it was founded by the Mobile Art Association. It is located in the middle of Langan Park, which is owned by the city of Mobile. In 2002, the museum underwent a $15 million expansion project, which tripled its size. At just under 100,000 square feet, the museum provides hours of entertainment, reflection, and study for attendees.

Mixing permanent collections with traveling shows, the museum has a constantly changing landscape. Some of the permanent work displayed includes the Altmayer Gallery works, an Asian and an African collection, and a Fine Arts of America collection. For those who love European art, the museum includes a permanently displayed European show.

Members of the Mobile Museum of Art help provide the local community education. Museum volunteers give tours to students who arrive throughout the year. The museum offers a gift shop, where souvenirs can be purchased. Proceeds go toward supporting the museum's operational costs.

A primary goal of the Mobile Museum of Art is to continue growing its large art collection. Through outreach programs, the museum connects with creators of visual art worldwide to bring permanent collections to its building. The traveling exhibitions provide variety to the museum's collection.

A quarterly newsletter is sent to museum members. The newsletter includes fundraising announcements, coming scheduled exhibitions, and tidbits of interest. Along with the exhibition schedule, the newsletter showcases artists with a brief biography and information about the media they prefer. Each year, the museum honors its volunteers at a gala celebration.

Funding of the Mobile Museum of Art comes from private donations, fundraising activities, grants, and government entities. The funds are used for various needs, including building maintenance, grounds upkeep, and advertising. A museum outreach program sends museum volunteer teams out to teach children about art. Sumner camps are also available for children to attend. Art classes in several different media are provided each year.