About BAM
Celebrating Local Art and Heritage: Experience the Bellefonte Art Museum’s Commitment to Community and Creativity
The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County is proudly housed in the historic Linn House, built in 1810 from Trenton Limestone. Recognized on the National Historic Registry and listed in the National American Buildings Survey, this home has witnessed many significant chapters of Bellefonte’s history. Over the years, it has been home to individuals and families who helped shape the growth of Bellefonte, Centre County, and the state of Pennsylvania.
At its core, the museum’s mission is to celebrate and support local artists while providing the community with enriching cultural experiences. In addition to showcasing and selling works by local creators, the museum also brings the world to Bellefonte through exhibitions featuring art from various cultures.
How the Museum Enriches Our Community
- Special Exhibitions Gallery: Featuring rotating works from around the globe, including pieces from China, Vietnam, East Africa, Haiti, Japan, and South America.
- Artist Registry: Promoting and exhibiting the talents of more than 165 local artists, giving them a platform to shine.
- Underground Railroad Exhibit - A Journey to Freedom: This powerful permanent exhibit remembers the region’s significant role in the Underground Railroad through art and stories, commemorating a difficult but important time in our history.
- The Makery at the Museum: Located on the second floor, this fun, family-friendly studio offers free, self-guided art activities during public hours, making it an ideal space for creativity and hands-on learning.
- Paulette Lorraine Berner Community Gallery, R Thomas Berner Photography Gallery, Sieg Gallery: These galleries highlight the diverse works of different registry artists, with new exhibitions every month.
- Stanza: A Poetry Gallery: A designated space where poetry is shared in several ways.
- Art Library: Located in the Photography Gallery, the library focuses on art history, artists, museum catalogs, and "how-to" resources for various mediums, along with a collection of children's art books.
- Twiga Museum Store: Offering a unique shopping experience with handcrafted items from our registry artists and select creators from outside Centre County. The store’s one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber arts, and fine art rotate monthly, so there’s always something new to discover.
- 24/7 Display Window: This illuminated, glass-enclosed porch showcases a variety of art and objects, allowing visitors to enjoy exhibitions any time, day or night.
- Established Endowment Fund: Through the Centre Foundation, this fund supports the museum’s mission, and the museum is proudly featured in the year-end Centre Foundation "Impact" magazine.
The Mission of the BAM
The mission of the Bellefonte Art Museum is to celebrate the human spirit through the arts and recognize the importance of art in our lives by exhibiting work from local artists, alongside exhibits that highlight cultural traditions and art forms of different countries. Our aim is to provide inspiration and enrichment for individuals and families.