In Buffalo and the entire Western New York region, everyone ought to know Charles E. Burchfield. I am certain that those interested in art have heard of him as well. He's recognized as one of the most distinguished American painters. Charles Rand Penney was a Buffalo native who donated his collection of Western New York Art, including 183 works by Charles E. Burchfield. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is dedicated to works by Burchfield and by regional artists. You'll see those active in the previous and the contemporary century. The Burchfield Penney functions as a gallery and a museum, serving as an institution affiliated with the Buffalo State University. For this reason, many events are related to education and personal development. It is worth checking what is happening and which events align with your individual needs and interests. Either way, it is definitely a place worth visiting. It's New York's first green museum certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. It's a two-story open and bright space, pretty great to be honest :). On the second Friday of every month, admission is free. "Be ready for special events, music, workshops, happy hours and more!" It's also free for Burchfield Penney members, Buffalo State University Students, Faculty & Staff, United States and Canada Active Military and their families, United States Military Veterans, ASI Arts Access Pass holders, and children and teens under 18 years old. read more

See all

A large, bright, two-story museum with several galleries on both floors. Unlike many museums which have no art created after 1870? This one will be displaying artwork solicited last year from local artists. Check their website for listings of rotating exhibits and openings.hh read more

See all

We drove by the gallery so many times but never stopped to visit. My bad, because it's a wonderful art center. It is dedicated to Buffalo painter (mostly water colors) Charles Burchfield. The art work downstairs is changed every 3 months, but there is always a Buffalo connection. Besides Burchfield there were now paintings (acrylics) by Mike Glier. In the next room was plenty of art work by William Maggio. Almost all his work is in black, white and greys and there seems to be some sort of curl in every work. Also an exhibition of work by Buffalo raised Wilhelmina Godfrey. Paintings, woven art and prints. It's definitely worth visiting the Burchfield Penny! read more

See all

The timing for my visit for right. Outside, the air got chilly and the leaves on the trees rustled as they turned various shades of red and yellow. Inside, the museum, gazing at Charles Burchfield's paintings always reminds me of the change in seasons. His works are imbued with all that is divine in nature. They are magically spiritual meditations. read more

See all

This is a lovely museum beautiful exhibits and paintings. Mr. Burchfield is obviously prominently focused on throughout the museum but there is a lot of other art work here as well. It's very well run with bright open spaces and places to sit. They have a lovely cafe called soupherb lots of paid parking nearby and second Friday is free through M and T Bank! Love to visit definitely recommended! read more

A fine gallery featuring local artists. Visiting exhibitions are also featured. Meeting space and auditorium are available. This is on bus routes #32 Amherst and #20 Elmwood. read more

Burchfield Penney Art Center - Glass exhibit - Art Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

On the second Friday of each month admission is free (sponsored by M&T Bank), and the museum is open extended hours as well. I came during the day on a "Second Friday" and was really impressed with how much there was so see, and the variety of exhibits. Every collection was interesting in its own way and we were there for over an hour. They have their own parking lot and it costs $1/hour. There are kiosks in the lot that accept cash or card. They also have electric charging stations (just 1 with 2 plugs). I'd highly recommend checking them out! read more

Burchfield Penney Art Center - Deanna and Keith Clayton - Etruscan Vessel - Art Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Went to the Burchfield on a Friday night with a couple friends. Wasn't sure exactly what it was going to be like but I must say it's much smaller than I expected. The 2nd Friday of each month is free admission, courtesy of M&T Bank. Thank you to them. For this particular night they had a jazz band playing (very good), poetry readings (that we missed), light snacks, and a cash bar. Not sure if this is the norm for the Friday events. The exhibits this month were in honor of Black History Month. Thete were a few local artist there happy to talk about their work. I only got to talk to one and unfortunately didn't get his name. It was nice though seeing the actual artists standing there with their work. There was also a free workshop where you could make a stained glass picture. Overall a nice place to spend a couple of hours. 2023-10 read more

See all

This is a beautiful gallery. The current exhibit of works by Charles Burchfield( watercolors) has paintings by Mike Glier (acrylics)hung next to Burchfield's. It is the juxtaposition of two artists' interpretations of a similar subject. Our docent spent a lot of time at each "set" of paintings with a similar subject, pointing out how these two artists viewed their subjects. In another gallery, are works by William Maggio, another local artist whose works "combine representational themes with the textured facades of buildings, decayed, vandalized and showing the signs of the passage of time." In another gallery we saw the diversity of works by Wilhelmina Godfrey. She was also raised in Buffalo. Her works are colorful woven hangings in addition to paintings and prints. On the day of our tour, the Burchfield was not crowded so we were able to take our time listening to our docent tell us about these local artists. The Burchfield also had a holiday market going on along the entry hall. The hallway was very busy with people looking for the perfect present from the many crafts displayed. read more

Who's got two thumbs, loves art and can't use them to touch any of it? This girl! Also her great cohort, who has so graciously tagged along to find out what the world of art has to offer. Evidently, not much. The space is small, though not claustrophobically so, providing about an hour of eye feasts. We battled Friday night traffic and college parking to get here, so we were both glad to find it wasn't some shoddily thrown together room, but instead many well lit and themed areas. We saved ten dollars admission as M&T provides free admission until 8pm. We arrived relatively early at 4, so we hadn't run into any special events that they sometimes offer. In fact, aside from the few workers around in the entry way, we hadn't run into anybody at all. Our voices echoed, carrying throughout the exhibits. In a way I found this more fun, like a kid who is locked into a toy store after hours, getting to marvel at it all without worrying about getting in the way or being heard. Because yeah, I did say some less savory things. Art is subjective. I love most things quirky, and my cohort would find things that she would light up and say "I'd have that in my home." Yet there were also things that we had to stop and tilt our heads, wondering how it ever ended up featured in a gallery. I'll be honest, a lot of Burchfield's work feels unfinished and not all the wonderous to me. There were some exhibits we passed through that we could find pieces that spoke to us for whatever reason, whether it be the talent it took to make it (there was a gate piece that was exquisite) or the overall look of things. We ascended the stairs to be met with the highlight of our trip, the Stanford Lipsey Art Glass Collection. My cohort is a glutton for glass art, and it made her wish to make a trip to Corning for the glass museum. I personally was mesmerized by the reflections they cast on the wall. Would I often frequent here? No, but I would say it'd be worth a date night to pop in before dinner, even if just to critique it all to shreds and sigh to yourself that you don't have $200 to blow on a gift shop model of an old hot air balloon. It's small, it's hit and miss, but the hits make it worth a go. read more

See all

Until relatively recently, this was a fun gallery to visit on their free Fridays, BUT...A friend is now limited to using a walker or a wheelchair and the galleries are NOT accessible! The doors (heavy, glass, large) to both the 1st and 2nd floor galleries have always been closed the innumerable times we've been there, which was not an issue until recently. There is no magic button to push to open those doors, from either side. If my friend goes alone, she now has to wander around, searching for an employee and ask that person to open doors for her! Probably needless to say, she's now crossed this gallery off her list of places to go. This gallery was built in 2008; where is the ADA compliance? I emailed the gallery, received no response, emailed again after about 10 days, and the response I got was that they PLAN to do a study! No apology, no suggestions. My friend is coping well with the loss of some of her independence, but this is an affront to her and everyone else who needs to use a walker or a wheelchair. (Interestingly, the gift shop has no such barrier to entry.) It's off my list of places to go, too. read more

Not to be confused with Belchfield Dollar, which is when you get sent to a field and paid a dollar every time you belch. What do you mean that doesn't exist. CRAP I WANT MY DOLLAR BACK. This beautiful new art center is spectacular, new, modern and fancy and for the most part is concerned with showcasing Buffalonian contributions to Art especially movies and such over a couple of centuries. In that regard it's pretty damn awesome and I'm not surprised that people really like it. Having said that, it's a little fancy for my taste and I'm not really into art galleries anyway. I prefer the Albright Knox across the street (where I got my citizenship wooo) which is more contemporary and classic, whereas this is more niche. But it's a wonderful facility and if you love art galleries you definitely have to check it out. However, if you're a visitor to Buffalo and you decide to come to the museums here then I don't really know what to say, you and I have different ways of traveling. Yours is more normal, but mehhhhh is all I can say. I mean, because going to museums is something that mainly only tourists and schoolkids and bookwormish types do and you're not really finding out much about Buffalo as it is, today, just a bunch of history and bougey crap that you can just as easily find out online. If you want to immerse yourself in a city don't come to a place like this. If you're fascinated with art galleries and the history of cities that you visit then sure go ahead. read more

Burchfield Penney Art Center - Burch better have my money - Art Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I love museums and I've had this one on my list for awhile. Decided to go today and enjoyed my short visit. Admissions is $10 and the parking is free on the weekend in the lot directly behind the gallery. This is a smallish collection-2 floors. The installations are nice to look at, but there wasn't any spectacular for me. The sight lines from the second floor onto the first floor gallery are quite beautiful (see photos) and the terrace would be an excellent place to spend a lunch hour. Overall the museum took me just under an hour to view and while there were some intriguing pieces, I've definitely been to better museums. The asesthetics of the place are gorgeous--modern and new. Museum store also has some beautiful items to look at. I wouldn't feel the need to go back for awhile, but I am glad that I checked it out read more

See all

A tribute to Charles Burchfield.. What a beautiful, modern designed art gallery located next to Buffalo State, across from the Albright-Knox on Elmwood Ave! The Burchfield Penney Art Center not only showcases famous artists Burchfield's artworks, drawings, writings but it exhibits local Buffalo artists work. There is also a cute gift shop that sells local art, Jewerly, pottery, and unique gifts. Their cafe is very cute too! The Burchfield offers nice membership packages or it's free for all the second Friday of each month! That free Friday event includes live music, a free art class, and lite snacks! I especially love the Burchfield paintings inspired by nature, various lines, symbols, vibrant colors... Take the time to support local galleries! They have their own lot too! read more

For my 125th review I wanted to do review something memorable to me. I found it today. Went to the Burchfield Penney Art Center today - across from the Albright for those who don't know. Its a very nice space, not too large, nice little museum shop, and a cute little cafe (sandwiches, yogurt, cookies etc.). While I have great appreciation for The Met, The Louvre and other large museums, I also LOVE smaller spaces like the Burchfield Penney. The space here is good for one large show, which is what the current one is. There is a smaller show upstairs as well. I've been here when there were three shows, perhaps 4, but that's about it. It's just not that big a space. But, the main room is very large, very high ceilings, lots of great light. Admission Adults: $10 Seniors (62 & over): $8 Students (with ID): $5 Parking is not free, unless you have a hybrid car and those spots are not taken. It's $1 hour, and through a machine. The show there now (through mid June 2013) is the Bruce Jackson show. He's a local Buffalo artist/professor/author/ and so much more. He's lead an interesting life and it shows in this show. There are many "things" he's collected from various meetings with people, travels and the like. I saw a lot of knives, for example. But then there are his pictures. He's done a series on the grain elevators in Buffalo, which, if you have seen some of my other reviews, you know I love. That series is here, they are great pictures of structures, that hopefully will get repurposed and not torn down. Back in the 1970's he did a series on penitentiaries, mostly in the south. Death row inmates and the like. Amazing series, and an early understanding of what the prison systems were becoming. He took pictures of the riots that happened at UB (60's? 70's? I'm not sure when those were, but he got the pics, and I have heard people talk about them). He photographs the "Buffalo Babel" series, so you will see many past presenters here. If you like Buffalo history, this is a good show for you - some of the "locals" are pictured here - Leslie Fiedler (poet / author extraordinaire), Bill Sylvester, Susan Pops (artist) and more. History of Buffalo with shots around town. Take an hour, go see this show, well worth it. Then go back when the next show comes in. This place is a nice place to see something new and, if needed, kill some time. read more

See all

Great art, excellent regular talks and films, a book club, a good gift shop if you need something for a gift, and a nice little cafe. CURRENTLY FREE ON 2ND FRIDAYS I have seen some truly spectacular exhibits at the Burchfield, and also some that leave me scratching my head, but none that have been ho hum. I like the opportunity to be exposed to the music and video installations that seem to be pushing boundaries just to see what people are doing with art in those areas. There are always a couple of rooms of exhibits devoted to pieces of their Burchfield collection which are constantly refreshed and put together to tell a new story. The docent led tour I took of the Burchfield display a couple years ago helped me appreciate his work even more and I look forward to those galleries every time I go. One of Buffalo's gems. read more

See all

Burchfield Penney Art center was founded in 1966 and is part of the Buffalo state college. It's dedicated to American painter Charles E Burchfield and has the world's largest collection of his work. It's current building opened in 2008. In the front of the building are three tall steel projectors that project in the evenings constantly changing artwork onto the exterior of the building. The admission is $10 for adults. My favorite part of the museum was the furniture collection from craft artisans of Roycroft. The rest of the museum was uninspiring. Overall it is a small space, and maybe the art on display was just not of my taste. read more

See all

I absolutely loved visiting the BPAC when I attended Buffalo State because of all the creative pieces of art that were on display. There is always a rich collection of contemporary and modern art being showcased which I am a huge fan of. A trip here any time of the day was extremely relaxing and so inspirational. Not enough students took advantage of the free admissions which is unfortunate. They frequently host events and invite key speakers, where you have the opportunity to learn a great deal and network with attendees. The BPAC was recently renovated and they installed projectors in front of the center that displays films on the center itself. It's a pleasure to watch it when the sun is down because you can see it clearly. read more

Burchfield Penney Art Center - Art Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

My first visit here was a little disappointing which began with a parking lot that was more like an abandoned traffic circle. I was there for the Cuban Film series which promised Cuban food (and for some reason, Lloyds taco truck) but the truck was a no-show and the little eatery in the Center ran out of the Cuban food. I always feel cultural centers - art galleries and museums - should always make sure their flow/walkthrough works for even the first time visitor. But when I asked for directions and help, I was given a name/place as if I should know about it in advance. "Where's the theater entrance?" "It's in the McGillicuddy room." (I use as a vague example because I don't know what the docent said.) Once I began wandering around the gallery, things got more interesting but unfortunately there was no signage or docents to explain what was on display. A large section was under construction which did t help either. Overall it's a beautiful building with interesting displays that needs a revamp of how they flow in visitors new and familiar. read more

I enrolled my kid in a five-week session of art classes here on Saturday mornings just this past winter-spring, and I was very happy with the program. He's five, so I did not expect any Masterpieces coming home at the end of each class, but the staff did a nice job getting the kids involved, each week had a different theme (underwater/above water, crickets, shapes, more I can't remember) and my son LOVED it. I liked it too; I had an opportunity to take a drive downtown with my boy on Saturday mornings and read the paper and drink coffee in the little cafe while art was being explored just down the hall. It cost $90 for a five-week session, and I was able to walk around and see the exhibits when I was done with my paper and coffee without having to pay admission. The cricket exhibit freaked me out, but in a good way. Does that make sense? read more

Our first visit and we were impressed with the variety of exhibits. Especially liked Burchfield's color paintings showing the passage of time, and seeing a few examples of the exquisite wallpaper he designed. So nice that the galleries focus on western NY artists. A small cafe has light refreshments. Gift shop has lovely items. Parking is just in front of the main entrance and only $1/hr with a 2 hr maximum. Admission is reasonable and there is senior pricing. We stayed about 90 minutes and would come again on our next visit to Buffalo. read more

Not worth paying if you cannot get in for free or a discount. Very small gallery, ok art. Right next to the albright knox. Hang out at delaware park if you have time, adjacent to this gallery and cool park. read more

The Burchfield Penny is a nice concise museum, focusing primarily on work from Western New York. The works tend to vary from more traditional to very modern.The large main room really gives the art work a presence, inviting visitors to think and examine. Charles Burchfield, the namesake of the Center, has his work ever integrated, sometimes on a larger scale with a whole room dedicated, or in a smaller extent, such as a short stretch of passageway wall. Though I know very little about art every time I've been to the Burchfield I've found its works have made me feel something, sometimes deeply (confession: I nearly cried on my first visit), at others causing me to think about my world just a little bit differently. Other things- there is a cafe right at the entrance as well as lockers, which can be used for 25 cents to store personal items. The gift shop is on the small side but well laid out, primarily focused on art with some classic Buffalo themed items intermixed. read more

This is such a beautiful art center. I attended buffalo state when it opened, and it was just as exciting then as it is now. I feel like a lot of people overlook Burchfield because of Albright Knox across the street, but they definitely should not be forgotten! You could easily do both places in one glorious art filled day. I attended their book sale and it was wonderful. Such a great selection! I came for the books and stayed for the art and it was a great experience! It's $10 for adults to enter, but only $5 for students which such a great deal. However, they are closed on Mondays! The Useum was my favorite part, I loved the interactive installations! read more

The gallery is smaller than the Albright, but is continually changing their work on display. I have seen fabric art, collage, sculptures, media installations, along with paintings which keeps me walking around the first and second floors. Going on second Fridays is a great opportunity to see contemporary work. The gift shop has a variety of goods, from more expensive jewelry, paper of greater thickness, children's toys, and postcards. read more

The Burchfield Penney Art Center isn't just about objet d'art hanging on hooks or posing on pedestals - it's much more. It's a way to reach out to the community, to demonstrate and to educate. Thanks to sponsors like M&T Bank (M&T Second Fridays), Key Bank, the Buffalo News and others - the BPAC can offer exhibits, concerts and programs that reach out to everyone. You don't have to be a member to stop by and appreciate the activities and events the BPAC offers throughout the year. "A Musical Feast" - directed by Charles Haupt and Managed by Irene Haupt - presents several concerts each year that highlight the talents of exceptional individuals in the music community. It was a pleasure today to hear Diane Hunger and Wildy Zumwalt perform a rare Hindemith saxophone duet from 1933. Charles Castleman - accompanied by Claudia Hoca (piano) - performed brilliantly as his fingers played a complex Eugene Ysaye piece on his beautiful 1708 Stradivarius violin. I closed my eyes for a short time to listen to the acoustics of the Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower auditorium where the concert was held as Jonathan Golove (cello) and Claudia Hoca (piano) swept me away with selections from Stravinsky's Suite Italienne (Pulcinella 1932). The melodies carried me away to visits to Lincoln Center and New York City. The finale of the show was a quartet performance with Wildy Zumwalt (sax), Claudia Hoca (piano) Jonathan Golove (cello) and Moshe Shulman (bandoneon) who played a beautiful piece by Astor Piazzolla entitled "Three Dances". The music blended syncopation, harmony and wonderfully discordant contrapuntal movements that brought a standing ovation to the performance. All this is here for the asking, for the taking, in Buffalo. BPAC gives our community the chance to stretch our limits and experience the wonder of ALL art - right at our fingertips. All you have to do - is open the door. read more

They have Charles Burchfield's actual studio painstakingly reconstructed and you can see the things he was actually painting, like a stuffed owl, and then see the paintings with the stuffed owl in them. I witnessed an epiphany as my daughter made the connection between art and a life. I didn't know anything about Burchfield before moving to Buffalo and loved it as soon as I saw it. The gallery has a great gift shop too, with carefully curated Buffalo created jewelry, art, carvings, pottery, sculpture, woolly purses, stationery. read more

Love the new Burchfield Penney museum. It opened last November and I've been there twice in as many months. I recommend it for visitors of all ages. There is a small snack bar that I haven't visited; the second-level patio looks like a great place for a summer party. The walls are stark white and the space feels huge. read more

This was a very nice space with lots of great art to look at, as well as a large, spacious exhibit featuring experimental films. I feel bad for giving the Burchfield Penney only three stars ("A-OK"), but (1) the center was on the small side, and (2) they didn't have very many Charles Burchfield paintings on display. I'm not sure if I went at the wrong time (were the paintings gone on a traveling exhibition?), but I saw maybe two or three of his paintings, so I was a bit disappointed. That being said, there were a great number of sketches, studies, photographs, and letters to look at, though, which was interesting. Additionally, the small size makes the Burchfield Penney great if you only have an hour or two. I would recommend the Albright-Knox Art Gallery as a first stop though. read more

Buffalo's amazing contributions to the visual arts (for over 200 years!) are truly done justice by this vibrant, modern facility. It's the perfect size for an afternoon wander to check out the permanent collection or the latest exhibit. There are also plenty of workshops and educational offerings to enjoy--along with a nice cafe and gift shop (also featuring work by local artists). Season craft fairs offer another way to experience the gallery. Truly a gem. read more

Came here for M&T's Second Fridays (http://www.burchfieldpenney.org/events/m-and-t-second-fridays/) and was thoroughly impressed. Every second Friday of the month, they hold a free event and last week, it was essentially an indoor farmer's market inside with a smattering of local food stands sampling their finest. Though not so much a fan of the art, the museum design is sleek with sky high ceilings and cool little rooms with featured exhibits. read more

They have a sponsored Free Second Friday of the month from 10am-8pm. They have a nice little café at the entrance. I love their rooftop patio, very relaxing in these summer months! I love their artwork, come and check them out! read more

I think my favorite part of this museum if really the very nice, new space, but I'm not sure how focused this place is. Feels more like a bunch of rooms put together. Some of the work run a little more on the kitschy side, but it's a cool place to check out local art. read more

What a great find! We were visiting the Albright-Knox Museum and noticed the Burchfield as we were walking out the parking lot. We deciding to cross the street and check it out, and I'm so glad we did. While small, the exhibits were intimate and inviting--and as a bonus, we had the entire museum to ourselves. The Burchfield design exhibit was by far our favorite. Unfortunately the large room downstairs was closed off for what appeared to be the installation of some new pieces and we were only able to view the Perrone piece from upstairs. The next time I'm anywhere near the Buffalo State campus I'll be sure to stop by again. read more

When my husband and I moved to Buffalo a year ago, one of the first things we did was join Burchfield Penney, due to their mission of promoting WNY art and artists. Since then we have been sorely disappointed. Their new Director does not seem to have a real feel of the mission of this place and the art they feature leaves a lot to be desired. The space always seems cluttered and messy. We will not be renewing our membership, but the Albright Knox across the street is always a winner. read more

An excellent exhibition of the work of Burke who makes caricatures of famous people that are published in magazines such as The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and others.His oil paintings have very vibrant colors and one can immediately identify who the picture is of. He wasn't formally trained but he has developed a unique style. Some of his major influences were Picasso and Van Gogh. read more

What a beautiful, bright, cheerful space! I thought we were lucky with the Albright Knox Art Gallery! Having this across the street just made our city even better. So many unique events, beautiful collections, open spaces and friendly folks. Great place for events! read more

Few exhibits on display...most of the rooms were closed to the public. There is a strong local representation and the work on display does pay homage to the area but it seems like only 40% of the building is effectively used. read more

This is a gem of an art museum. We drive from Rochester frequently just to visit. It has the largest collection of the work of Charles Burchfield, one of the most remarkable American watercolorists. Seriously, if you've never seen his work, it's as if Van Gogh took up watercolor! Vivid, emotional, stunning paintings. Plus this museum focuses on Western NY artists, and their exhibitions are mounted in beautiful, meaningful ways. The museum building itself is architecturally exquisite. It's small enough for one to do it justice in a couple of hours and still have time for the Albright Knox across the street. Don't miss this lovely, rare local treasure. read more

Was in Buffalo visiting my son at school and finally got to the Burchfield Penney! The show that was up was all Western NY artists and was beautifully curated. I can't wait to go back. read more