Palmer Museum concludes 50th year with celebration of past and future

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three exhibitions on view this fall and winter at the Palmer Museum of Art commemorate the museum’s 50 years by exhibiting key works from the collection and renderings of its new building, set to open at the Penn State Arboretum in early 2024.

Two exhibitions, "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty" (Sept. 23-Dec. 18) and "The Art of Remembering: A Selection of Gifts" (Aug. 26-Dec. 18) feature 87 works from the Palmer’s collection, while "Designed for the Future: The New Palmer Museum of Art at the Arboretum" (Oct. 15, 2022-May 8, 2023) includes sketches, models and an animated fly-through video of the new building.

“We are at a transformative moment in the history of the Palmer Museum of Art,” said Museum Director Erin M. Coe. “As we celebrate five decades of serving our communities as the largest academic art museum in Pennsylvania, we look toward a bright future in the new building that will double the Palmer’s exhibition space and enhance accessibility. We invite everyone to celebrate this momentous occasion with us as we look to our collection to chronicle the past and offer glimpses of what is to come.”

'Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty'

Penn State’s iconic cheer “We Are” inspired the title of "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty." The exhibition signals an introspective reckoning as the museum marks a historic milestone and reflects on its past, present and future. Featuring 74 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculptures from the permanent collection, the exhibition explores how history, place and community shape our conception of museums and ourselves.

An impressive, 30-foot long timeline details the most notable events in the museum’s five decades, including significant additions to the collection; groundbreaking exhibitions; and the institution’s renaming in 1987 in honor of James and Barbara Palmer, who donated $2 million to initiate a campaign for a major addition to the building and later bequeathed their collection to the museum.

"Looking at Who We Are" is divided into four sections — History, Place, Community and Future. Together, these sections offer a broad view of personal and cultural identity through the lens of specific works of art, encouraging visitors to consider how collections are formed and institutional histories are written. History examines how art functions to contain, transmit and create history. Place focuses on Pennsylvania and its national and international connections. Community surveys how shared histories and personal identities inform how we construct communities and Future features images that, through design, construction and purpose, reveal hope and potential for new possibilities.

Featured artists in the exhibition include Eleanor Antin, John Biggers, Simon Dinnerstein, Mary Beth Edelson, Theodoor Galle, Harry Gottlieb, Utagawa Kunisada II, Jacob Lawrence, Yolanda López, Roberto Lugo, Tompkins Harrison Matteson, Richard Mayhew, Steve McCurry, Matthew Northridge, George Loftus Noyes, Philip Pearlstein, Pablo Picasso, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Alexander Rodchenko, Charles Sheeler, Preston Singletary, Neal Slavin, John Sloan, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, W. Eugene Smith, Raphael Soyer, Therman Statom, Andy Warhol and Marion Post Wolcott.

"Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty" is sponsored by Penn State alumnus Jason D. Kogan (class of 1966, College of the Liberal Arts). Additional support is provided by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

'Designed for the Future: The New Palmer Museum of Art at the Arboretum'

Focusing on the transformational new building for the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State, "Designed for the Future: The New Palmer Museum of Art at the Arboretum" will allow visitors to experience its innovative and versatile design through the architect’s model, drawings, plans, renderings and animation. Allied Works, internationally known for their sensitive and elegant bridging of nature and architecture, was selected as the architect based on their deep expertise in the design of arts and educational facilities and for their interdisciplinary and collaborative approach.

The new 71,000-square-foot museum will neighbor the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in The Arboretum and seamlessly integrate art, architecture and nature. The new design will substantially boost accessibility to the University’s art collections and double the gallery space, allowing for more study and stewardship of the collection and special exhibitions.

'The Art of Remembering: A Selection of Gifts'

"The Art of Remembering: A Selection of Gifts" seeks to honor the gifts to the permanent collection of the Palmer Museum of Art. The collection has grown significantly because numerous patrons have generously donated works of art since the founding of the museum in 1972. Nearly three-quarters of the 10,300 objects in the collection are gifts, including works of art donated in memory of family members, friends, alumni, colleagues, museum staff, volunteers and University and community leaders.

This intimate exhibition brings together a selection of works on paper by 19th- and 20th-century European and American artists, each one a testament to the enduring memory of an individual life and evidence of art’s power to foster the act of remembering. The label texts accompanying the selections offer thoughts on those being remembered, the donors who gifted or provided funds to acquire the works and the artists who created them.

All three exhibitions were organized by the Palmer Museum of Art as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration.

Related Programs

This fall, in-person programs return at the Palmer Museum with lectures, gallery talks, after-hours events and family programs. Online opportunities are still available with the popular Museum Conversation series as well as other webinar-based talks.

Visit palmermuseum.psu.edu for updates on COVID-19-related mandates for in-person gatherings.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2:30 p.m. — Gallery Talk: "HOME/STUDIO: 2022 Penn State School of Visual Arts Faculty Show"

Join faculty artists Brian Alfred, Bonnie Collura, Shannon Goff and Vagner Mendonça Whitehead for a discussion about their works on view.

Thursday, Aug. 25, 5-8 p.m. — Art After Hours and Reception: "HOME/STUDIO: 2022 Penn State School of Visual Arts Faculty Show"

Explore an array of contemporary art by 25 current faculty artists and educators. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with light refreshments in the lobby from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., join faculty artists Lindsey Landfried, Eduardo Navas, Helen O’Leary and Rudy Shepherd for a discussion about their works on view.

Friday, Aug. 26, 1-4 p.m. — "Artify: A Musical Museum Experience"

Penn State Students, get to know YOUR art museum! Discover the world-class collection at the Palmer Museum of Art, the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania. Explore the galleries via a musical experience curated by fellow Penn State students who work at the museum. Plus, satisfy your creative side and make a custom-designed button. Drop in anytime during this program and stay as little or as long as you like.

Sunday, Aug. 28, 2:30 p.m. — Gallery Talk: "HOME/STUDIO: 2022 Penn State School of Visual Arts Faculty Show"

Faculty artists Gulia Huber and Zsuzsanna Nagy will discuss their work on view.

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m. — Museum Conversation: "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty"

Exhibition curators Brandi Breslin, Patrick McGrady, Joyce Robinson and Adam Thomas

introduce the Palmer’s anniversary exhibition celebrating the museum’s first 50 years. The exhibition reflects on the museum’s past, present and future while taking a broader look at personal and cultural identity through the lens of art. Register on Zoom.

Thursday, Sept. 29, 5-8 p.m. — Art After Hours: Museum Birthday Bash

The Palmer turns 50 this fall! Join us for a party to celebrate with music, performances, art activities and refreshments.

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m. — The Palmer at 3 Dots Downtown

See old friends and make new ones. Meet museum staff downtown at 3 Dots, 137 E. Beaver Ave. in downtown State College. Enjoy live music by Pat Breslin and tinker with a creative project inspired by the Palmer collection.

Saturday, Oct. 8, noon–4 p.m. — Community Day: Parents & Families Weekend at the Palmer

As part of Penn State’s Parents & Families Weekend, the Palmer Museum of Art offers a full day of drop-in programs to inspire reflection and creativity while showcasing the world-class collections, exhibitions and resources at Penn State’s art museum. Enjoy gallery talks, tours, in-gallery experiences, and creative art activities related to exhibitions on view. Meet museum staff, graduate assistants, interns and volunteers as we share all there is to love about the Palmer.

Sunday, Oct. 9, noon–4:30 p.m. — Self-guided Tours: Parents & Families Weekend at the Palmer

Visiting parents and families are invited to drop in and discover the Palmer Museum of Art. Explore the galleries on your own with the help of a printed guide curated by students working at the museum.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2:30 p.m. — Gallery Talk: "Communities, Coalitions, and Collectives: 1972-2022"

Karen Keifer-Boyd, professor of art education and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, will explore stories of the dynamic interplay between communities and artists in the Palmer’s anniversary exhibition "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty." With stories grounded in works on display as well as her own experience as an artist and scholar, Keifer-Boyd will paint a narrative of the power of art to create inclusive communities and socially just practices.

Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — The Palmer at WPSU’s Eventapalooza

Drop by WPSU’s largest community event of the year and enjoy a variety of on-site activities as well as take-home kits. This year’s theme is creativity and imagination. At the Palmer’s booth, make a paper mosaic inspired by one of the works in the museum’s collection. Visit WPSU’s Eventapalooza for more information.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. — Museum Conversation: "Designed for the Future" with Erin Coe, director, Palmer Museum of Art  

Explore the Palmer Museum’s new building designed by Allied Works Architecture and scheduled to open in 2024, during this virtual program hosted by the museum’s director. Register on Zoom.

Friday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. — Gallery Talk: "Every night we chase our shadows" with Joshua Frankel, artist

In conjunction with the Center for the Performing Arts world premiere of "A Marvelous Order," an opera about builder Robert Moses and activist Jane Jacobs, artist Joshua Frankel will discuss his “blueprint” cyanotypes created in parallel with the visual development of the opera. A selection of prints will be on view in the Print Study Room Oct. 18-21.

Thursday, Oct. 27, 5-8 p.m. — Art After Hours: "Fourth Annual Halloween Spectacular"

Mysterious and spooky museum adventures return for another year at the Palmer. Partake in ghostly games, monster music and other fiendish fun. Compete for prizes in the costume contest. Arrive and register by 7 p.m. to participate. Art-inspired costumes will be “treated” with extra points, and separate judging will take place for adults and children under 15.

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m. — Gallery Talk and Activity: "Exploring Our Past and Present Place(s) of Penn State" with Mark Kissling, associate professor of education, Penn State

Enjoy a focused look at the relationship between identity and place in the anniversary exhibition "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty." Participate in an activity and discussion about the ways in which place (as a concept) and places (as specific lived relationships) matter in our lives — especially at Penn State. Mark Kissling is a place-based educator whose scholarship exemplifies the significance of place primarily in, and across, the educational fields of curriculum, social studies and teacher education.

Thursday, Nov. 3, 5 p.m. at the Palmer-Lipcon Auditorium — Art History Lecture with Andrew James Hamilton, Associate Curator of Arts of the Americas, Art Institute of Chicago

Andrew James Hamilton will provide the keynote lecture as part of the symposium "Collecting the Andes," organized by the departments of History and Art History, with sponsorship from the Humanities Institute and the Palmer Museum of Art.

Saturday, Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m. — Family Day: "Birthday Reflections"

Drop-in for free, hands-on family fun and brief explorations in the gallery. Inspired by the museum’s 50th anniversary, this program will encourage thoughtful creativity about the past, present and future.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m. — Lecture Webinar: "Past, Future, and Fantasy at the Happiest Place on Earth" with Sasha Coles, assistant teaching professor, Department of History, Penn State

When Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney aimed to bring joy and inspiration to people around the world. In this talk, Sasha Coles will explore the role of the past in Disneyland's famous attractions and comfortable atmosphere. This lecture is presented in conjunction with the museum’s 50th anniversary exhibition "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty" and illuminates the complex interaction between history and identity. Coles is the founder of the Enchanted Archives, a digital project that uncovers the historical roots of Disneyland’s food, aesthetics and attractions. Register for the Zoom event here.

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2:30 p.m. — Gallery Talk: "Looking at Who We Are: The Palmer at Fifty"

Meet exhibition curators Brandi Breslin, Patrick McGrady, Joyce Robinson and Adam Thomas in the gallery for an introduction to the Palmer’s anniversary exhibition celebrating the museum’s first 50 years. The exhibition curators will discuss the role of history, place, community and the future in the formation of the exhibition.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. — Art After Hours: Winter Break

Take a mental health break from end-of-semester stress and refresh your outlook with beautiful art. Enjoy a low-key creative activity and cozy conversation over hot cocoa.

The Palmer Museum of Art

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State is the largest art museum collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and the most significant academic art museum in the state of Pennsylvania. A key element of Penn State’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and public service, the museum is a vital and accessible cultural resource for Penn State’s students, faculty and scholars, as well as for all visitors to and from the entire central Pennsylvania region. Through its world-class objects, programs and outreach, the museum is a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant forum for authentic arts experiences and cultivates meaningful dialogue about today’s most potent ideas and pressing concerns. The free-admission museum, which has strong and longstanding connections with the wider local community, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022.

The New Palmer Museum of Art

Construction of the new building for the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State has begun. The museum will directly neighbor the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in The Arboretum at Penn State, replacing the current facility on campus. The new 71,000-square-foot museum, projected to open in early 2024, will substantially boost accessibility to the University’s art collections for students, faculty, staff and the public. Seamlessly integrating art, architecture and nature and sited within a landscape similar to those that inspired many of the American works in its renowned collection, the new museum will nearly double the space for the display, study and stewardship of art. The innovative and versatile design by Allied Works features a series of interlocking pavilions clad in regional stone that evokes the geology of central Pennsylvania. In keeping with Penn State’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the new museum will be a high-performance building with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The Palmer Museum of Art has outgrown its current building as its art collection continues to expand, thanks to an increased number of generous philanthropists.