It’s no secret that the Coos Bay region offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, from long walks on pristine beaches to fishing, hiking and boating. Yet, often overlooked are the chances to experience the museums in Coos Bay, especially the must-see Coos Art Museum. Here’s a look at why our guests are raving about the collections, exhibits and educational programs offered at the Coos Art Museum.
A Local Landmark
Located just a few miles from The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park, the Coos Art Museum prides itself on connecting locals and visitors in the Coos Bay region to visual art. Since 1950, the museum has built its permanent collection of over 600 works, along with a reputation for state-of-the-art displays and informative educational programs. Today’s collection includes an impressive selection of contemporary fine art prints from notable American artists, such as Alexander Calder, Warrington Colescott, Red Grooms, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers and more, as well as a variety of original works by artists of the Pacific Northwest.
In 1984, Coos Art Museum moved into its current location. The building, originally constructed in 1936, was remodeled from an old post office into the historic, yet modern, structure attendees enjoy today.
Notable Exhibits, Classes and More
Coos Art Museum aims to promote the appreciation, understanding and expression of visual art through its displays, events and programs. Its main floor features the Perkins Room Gallery, Permanent Collection Alcove Gallery and the large Maggie Karl Gallery, as well as an exhibit of pieces that are available for rental or sale.
Guests can then take an elevator or the Art Deco staircase to the museum’s second floor, where they can view the Mable Hansen Gallery. It also houses the Uno Richter Atrium, which stuns visitors with its sky-lit, arched ceiling and exposed brick walls. In addition, the second floor contains the storage and work area for the museum’s permanent collection, which is where staff and volunteers keep the works of art in immaculate shape.
Coos Art Museum also places a high emphasis on teaching art skills to people of all ages. It offers roughly 70 classes, studio sessions and workshops during any given year in the museum’s dedicated classroom. In addition to finding traditional painting and drawing lessons, other topics on its art education schedule include:
- Wood block printing
- Watercolors
- Fused glass
- Oil painting
- Pastels
- Collage
- Pinhole photography
Collections at Coos Art Museum
In addition to the changing limited-time collections, Coos Art Museum offers other special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Regardless of what you choose to attend, all are included in the price of admission – $5 for the general public, $2 for students and seniors and free to members of the Coos Art Museum.
Plan to Stay at The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park
If you’re interested in visiting museums in Coos Bay, The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park is the perfect place to stay. Contact us today by calling 800-953-4800 to learn more about all there is to do in the Coos Bay area, or reserve accommodations now. With so many area attractions, casino gaming and a host of on-site amenities, there’s no doubt you’ll find everything you love during your visit.