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Boise Art Museum

3.6 (55 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Timothy C.

Last week, after sooo long, I finally made it the Boise Art Museum. First time ever going there and probably...my last. Ok, art museums have always been one of my favorite places to go and will always be one of my favorites. This place was such a let down. I get it, Boise is small, the museum will be small and yada yada yada. Boise is one of the fastest growing cities in America (unfortunately). All my years here, they have yet to bring in an exhibit that makes people rush to them. If they brought in any exhibit, best believe it had a political message. Giving this place 2 stars was being generous. I gave it 2 instead of 1 because Boise is still considered a small city and apparently people aren't supposed to expect much from a small city's art museum. The place is super small. I accidentally walked into the History Museum. Friend was visiting from NY. I'm now wish we would have gone there. As mentioned, the place is very small. That's fine. The majority of the art is art from the past 30 years. There are no true pieces of art..well, the kind people want to see when they go to an art museum. Instead, this place is full of political leaning pieces and one side of politics. If you've been, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't want to go to an art museum to see it completely full of political pieces pushing one sides agenda. I really don't want to see any political pieces. Ok ok, maybe a piece here and there, but this place has a theme going on and the director knew what he or she was doing. Imo, it's not a good look for a place that's supposed to celebrate art vs this place that wants everyone to know that...the person in charge of the place is this in their political stance and you'll accept it no matter what. Honestly, I'm surprised that whoever is in charge of this place is still in charge of it. I mean, TRY to get an exhibit here that people want to see...you know...actual art. Don't get me wrong, there were a few pieces that were really cool, but just a few in an art museum!!!? What? The whole place should be filled with pieces that inspire us! Not make us feel like...ugh, more politics shoved down our throats. We escape all of that when we go to places like this...or so we thought. If I'm being totally honest here, politics to me..right or left is a fn BORRRRRE! I hate them! At one time I loved them and followed them religiously to stay in the know. These past several years have completely burned me out on them. Then, I go to an art museum and what do I see..... (puke) more political crap. It is what it is, I suppose. I just wish these people on either side of the aisle would realize that not all of us want to see this crap. It's exhausting and BEYOND played out. I will say something nice now. The man at the front counter who sold us our tickets...$6 to get in. Trust me, anymore than that and you'll want your $ back. Sorry, off topic there, the man at the counter was the nicest guy. Super friendly, smiley and you can tell he's just a pleasant person to be around. The place is super clean. Thank God for that. Then again, have you ever been to an art museum that was a dump? Lol I guess that's it. I wish my review would have been better. I had high hopes for this place. I just think if they got pieces in that aren't from like 1990 and aren't some kind of current events message...the reviews for this place would be better. Ok, that's it. Sorry I didn't have something better to say about this museum. Hopefully one day, I can come back and write a new review for this place after they get like an Ansel Adams exhibit or something magical like that. Thanks, YelperArters! Cheers

Gisela J.

My daughter had a free pass for the Boise art museum. We decided to go. It was a nice experience. They had accessible ramps all around, so it was nice that my daughter was able to explore and see the art. The mini gift shop was not a place for a wheelchair my daughter almost took the glass fixture with the earrings and necklace with her she accidentally bumped into it. Other than that, it was a nice experience and something new to see.

Paul L.

I have disliked this museum for years but I hoped that, after a long absence, I would find a reason to change my mind. Let's begin with their photography policy. It's banned. Well, there was a limited and temporary reprieve. They encouraged visitors to take a photo of Jae Yong Kim's 'Donut Ever Forget Me,' a ceramic wall sculpture of a lot of donuts. It's a fun piece and the museum wanted visitors to share it on social media. Do you want to take a photo of anything else? You can't. From their website: 'Photography of any kind is not allowed in the Museum. Please put away your camera and silence your cell phone.' The spirit of finger-wagging and condescension is palpable. Keep in mind that, at this point, almost all art museums in North America want visitors to take non-flash photos (minus the selfie sticks, of course). They want the publicity and it fosters more engagement with the art itself. Not here. The Sarah Sense and Stephanie Wilde exhibitions are beautiful for their layers of intricacy. I encourage you to check them out. Since you can't take photos, are there any books in the gift shop on these artists? At the time of my recent visit, no. The persons working in the shop had no information. That's incredibly frustrating. Finally, the gallery spaces are poorly lighted and poorly organized with a lot of wasted display space. The Sense and Wild pieces on display would have benefited from a much brighter environment to see the details in their works. Boise is a fast-growing and increasingly diverse city. I don't understand why this institution hasn't kept up with how other art museums operate in the 21st century.

Kaydi M.

Such a cool little museum! It was definitely small, it only took like 45 minutes to go through but I really enjoyed it. Staff was very nice and helpful. You can't take photos of art (except for the one I have included in this review) and can't bring water in.

BAM front entrance
Beverly M.

Not family friendly. Was told upon entering not to touch the art so we made sure our children understood not to touch the art. To which they never touched any of it. Not once. Then we were told by the manager "and don't touch the walls either." My family was then followed from room to room and glared at. Our kids whispered to us, "Why are they following us. This is awkward." We explained that they're making sure we don't touch anything. When we finally confronted the manager following us and asked if it's necessary she follow us she responded, "I'm just making my rounds." We replied that we are the only family she is following. She then changed her tone and responded, "Well your kids are getting very close to the art." Apparently "don't touch" also meant don't get close to examine the art like every other human who enjoys art. At this point we decided to just leave. The clerk at the front desk responded to our complaint by saying, "Sorry, it's our policy to follow large groups." We're one family first and not just any "large group." Again, our children never touched anything as instructed. We feel most for our 9 year old aspiring artist who wanted to leave because of being followed. We never even had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the art because we were all uncomfortable with being the only people being followed and glared at. My suggestion for this place with poor business practice and lower intellect management? Be welcoming and encouraging to children who are interested in art. They're your future artists and patrons after all. If a large family enters your establishment and the size makes you uncomfortable, kindly with a smile offer a "guided tour" so that you can "help the children get the most out of the art and even help mom and dad keep them together!" See how that differs from your current approach? With my suggestion you can make sure they don't touch your art but also seem like a person who cares about the people you're serving.

Lori G.

I love our local Art Museum! The current donut exhibit done by a Korean artist is something you must see you... can't help but smiling as you look at the ceramic Donuts! I also love that they open the museum to the community for first Thursday from 10 to 8 at night. That is wonderful and amazing. We are so lucky to have this little gem in our city

Erica C.

A Boise institution that deserves a visit! Affectionately known as BAM, the museum nestled in Julia Davis Park is a great stop on a tour of Boise. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the art installations are always different and thought-provoking. I just checked out the Adonna Khare exhibit and was blown away by her talent. There have been several really wonderful shows that have made me wish I had visual artistic skill over the years. On the small side for a museum, but I prefer BAM over places you must devote hours upon hours exploring. It's just enough art to engage without making your eyes cross. Plus, they have a quaint museum shop with a lot of great local and national artsy findings!

An example of a Nick Cave soundsuit taken from the internet since photography is not allowed in the museum.
Christine D.

How can you not like an Art museum who's nickname is BAM? That's the nickname of the Boise Art Museum centrally located near Julia Davis Park. BAM is a small art museum but still manages to get some interesting and worthwhile exhibits. The most recent exhibit is Nick Cave's soundsuits. The exhibit began in mid May 2012 and ends in November 2012. The soundsuits are made of various cast off articles and transform into statuesque art objects as well as at time the artist will wear them at various exhibitions. They also had a small area dedicated to Asian art work as well. That was very nicely done too. I found out there was no photography in the museum which is too bad because they have very beautiful items. It was nice to wander to stroll around and take in the sights. If I had anything bad to say about this place would be the hovering of the young men who worked at the museum. They dogged our every step (bored? it was a weekday morning?). At one point admonished the YS not to touch when he was not about to touch an item. As luck would have it though, he couldn't hear them so the remark went unnoticed by him and I looked at them quizzically. The gift shop had a variety of items and there were fairly reasonably priced so that is definitely a must stop when inside the museum. They have a fairly eclectic selection of items ranging from toys, glassware, books, and jewelry. I would be back to check it out again they have a nice set up here and while small worth the trip. Admission for adults was only $5 a piece.

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Disappointed on the size and the very limited displays. Maybe the next installations will be more inspiring and interesting. Sad really.

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Fantastic place for the entire family. Staff was very helpful. Will definitely go there again.

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Underwhelming. We came to see the impressionism exhibit and was disappointed by the lack of art on display.

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Ask the Community - Boise Art Museum

Review Highlights - Boise Art Museum

Affectionately known as BAM, the museum nestled in Julia Davis Park is a great stop on a tour of Boise.

Mentioned in 5 reviews

Read more highlights

Old Idaho Penitentiary - A heart-shaped marker for a convict, lovingly created by his friends.

Old Idaho Penitentiary

4.7(155 reviews)
2.3 mi

I went to Boise with friends, and pretty much did what the group wanted to do, because I had no…read moreclue what to do on my own. I had no expectations, well I wasn't really expecting much. I have to say I really enjoyed touring around here! I'm sure it's a lot more beautiful then when it was in operation. I loved reading the stories of the inmates, though a lot were sad stories. I spent a lot more time here than I was expecting to!

This was my first time ever visiting a penitentiary and it was one heck of an experience! As…read moretranquil, peaceful and even beautiful as it is, you can't help but feel eary and even emotional as you walk through the various cell blocks. It was built in the late 1800's and was operation through the 1970's! How wild is that?! I was even able to go inside of several solitary confinement rooms and have the door closed behind me. And the only light was a hole in the ceiling. According to the audio guide and plackards on the wall, some inmates were thrown in there for months at a time, some for even up to a year. The worst part was, they weren't even told beforehand how much time it would be. Even just for a few seconds, if felt pretty surreal hearing the door close. We spent several hours walking through the various cell block and yards, and probably an hour at least walking through the armory collection. The collection was quite vast and spanned by WW1 and WW2. All in all, for only $8, it's definitly a must-do when visiting Boise for the first time.

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Old Idaho Penitentiary
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Old Idaho Penitentiary - Outside the walls, headed towards the old cemetery.

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Outside the walls, headed towards the old cemetery.

Basque Museum & Cultural Center - Inside Basque Museum

Basque Museum & Cultural Center

4.1(24 reviews)
0.3 mi

Surprisingly the largest group of Basque people, outside of Spain are in Boise. The Basque Museum…read more& Cultural Center is focused on Basque culture & history. It opened in 1985 and is the only Basque museum in the US. Inside the museum are artifacts, photographs & collections of manuscripts and tapes describing the Basque immigration to the American West. It is on the Basque Block between Capital Blvd & 6th St. close to spots to try some traditional Basque food. It's an example of conservation & documentation of a living ethnic neighborhood. It's comprised of 2 historic boardinghouses, the Basque Center, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Bar Gernika, Leku Ona, the Basque Market ... Unf, everything was closed today we went for lunch in the market.

Visited the Basque Museum & Cultural Center in March. We enjoyed learning about the Basque culture…read moreand history through the exhibits. The woman who we purchased tickets from was very nice and welcoming. She gave us a nice overview of the museum. It was not busy so we were able to discover the place at a leisurely pace. Admission to the Museum also gives you admission to the Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House next door. It was built in 1864 and housed families before becoming a boardinghouse. The tour guide in the house was great, very knowledgeable about the history of the house and the Basque culture. There is gift shop with various cultural items. Good museum experience.

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Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Basque Museum & Cultural Center - Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House

Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House

Basque Museum & Cultural Center - Inside Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House

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Inside Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House

Boise Art Museum - artmuseums - Updated May 2026

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