Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

Don’t miss the Steve McCurry photography exhibit while it lasts — worth the $ 10 fee. Short videos allow you to hear from Steve first-​hand on topics such as technique, process and journey. Gorgeous sample of photos on display three rooms long. The Elm House self-​guided tour was quick, but offers a glimpse into the life of Utica’s wealthiest early family.

This museum is wonderful, and brings in a lot of great shows. We went to the Warhol exhibit a few years ago and they displayed it so well. My favorite was an entire room filled with Mylar pillows! Amazing. Monet to Matisse was crowded when we went, but the flow of the place is good and can handle a lot of people. There is an impressive standard collection too. Three levels of thumbs up. Make sure to tour the Munson house near the café. Really interesting history. Bring the family, there’s a children’s room in case the little ones need a break, which is nice. Lots of art materials, books and other hands on activities. I believe they have a café, although we have not eaten there.

I was glad to make another quick visit here. The Mad Men interior space alone is worth a step inside but I wanted to see an exhibit of seven glorious Tiffany stained glass windows that were recently rediscovered. These luminous eight-​foot tall angels were aglow in a darkened gallery.

The collection is world class, even though it is small. Munson Williams is the equivalent of the Smithsonian Institute for Utica, New York. The original endowment was from the Munson-​Williams-​Proctor families, who I think even intermarried. The Museum turned the money into a building by the world-​renowned architect Philip Johnson. The Museum also keeps the Proctor household as a part of the museum.
In the past ten years, the Institute has expanded to include a brand new art school with several buildings. This extension of the Museum represents no less than a much needed renaissance for Utica New York, which has a post-​industrial economy. The Art Institute represents no less than the imagination of Utica. That said, while the design classes and computer modelling classes are excellent, I would like the school to integrate engineering and invention to these curricula.

If you want to feel like you’re at the Met, but can’t get to NYC, then definitely make a trip here. It is one of the great highlights of Utica. Munson WIlliams does a great deal for Utica’s artistic scene, especially in the summer time. It’s a quaint, refined museum that is also a school of art.
I highly recommend Fountain Elms, the preserved home of the donors from the 19^th century. It’s rich in Victorian history and art. My favorite paintings are from the Thomas Cole collection «The Voyage of Life.» It’s spectacular.

Munson-​Williams Proctor Arts Institute is a wonderful arts/​cultural resource for the local community. And. bonus. admission is free! My favorite paintings were always Thomas Cole’s «The Voyage of Life». I’ve been fascinated with those paintings since I was in elementary school.
The art museum portion of the grounds also has a little art studio for children equipped with easels, markers, paint, and other creative resources. It looks like a great place for the little ones to blow off some artistic steam.
I always find something cool and unusual to buy in the museum’s gift shop upstairs. They sell some art books and how-​to kits for children. If you’re looking for books on local history, they have a pretty solid selection of those, as well. I usually head straight for the jewelry counter to ogle everything inside that sparkles. ;-)
If you like antiques and turn-​of-​the-​century architecture, definitely check out Fountain Elms. The interior is beautiful, particularly when it’s decorated for the holidays.
It’s art. It’s culture. It’s free. Go-​go-​go!