This was an unexpected gem of an art museum in the heart of Utica. We came here on a half-day trip from Cooperstown (1 hour away on rural roads) for a brief visit and had modest expectations. The MWPAI has two main buildings and includes a lovely collection of paintings and sculptures. The highlight of the museum is the set of paintings by Thomas Cole on the top floor of the main building. These works illustrate various stages in one's life cycle from youth to middle-age to older-age. I was impressed by the quality of the collection here and a visiting exhibit of works by a contemporary artist from Atlanta. We arrived around 11:30am on a Thursday and went immediately to the Terrace Cafe after a quick restroom stop. The cafe is open from 11am to 3pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and has outdoor seating. I was impressed by the quality of our bistro-style lunch prepared by a professional chef. We enjoyed some iced tea and the fried deviled eggs with horseradish, dijon and scallions as an appetizer. My 13-year old son devoured his MWP burger (mustard-whiskey-peppercorn glaze), while I had the Saratoga Quiche which was light and refreshing. We were too full for dessert. Who knew that Utica could provide an elegant yet affordable lunch with a lovely outdoor view? Be sure to ask the waiter for recommendations on main dishes and appetizers. Although the service can be a bit slow, it's a delightful spot for a leisurely lunch where you can relax and unwind. My wife, teenage sons (15 yrs, 13 yrs) and I really enjoyed our short day trip to Utica. MWPAI was a highlight along with Utica Coffee Roasters and the half-moon cookies from Hemstrought Bakery. read more

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It has 2 sections, main building for art exhibit, the other section is a historical residence of the donor. All items has descriptions in details. The museum is not big and easy to navigate. Artworks are world class, so amazing. Worth to visit even though I had a short trip. read more

Munson - Dance Marathon - Art Schools Near Me - Utica, New York

I was glad to make another quick visit here. The Mad Men interior space alone is worth a step inside but I wanted to see an exhibit of seven glorious Tiffany stained glass windows that were recently rediscovered. These luminous eight-foot tall angels were aglow in a darkened gallery. read more

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THis is an entirely free museum. There are 2 parts, an old house from the 1800's and a modern museum designed by Philip Johnson in the 1960's. The Munson WIlliams Proctor family made their fortune on the Erie Canal and then the 2 sister married 2 brothers and neither had any children. They collected art and then left the whole thing for a museum. The house is filled with period furniture and decorative arts. The museum has art from the 1800's through contemporary times, 3 floors of it. The building is fabulous space. If you are driving across interstate 90, I highly recommend the stop. It is not too far off the highway and it is worth it. read more

If you want to feel like you're at the Met, but can't get to NYC, then definitely make a trip here. It is one of the great highlights of Utica. Munson WIlliams does a great deal for Utica's artistic scene, especially in the summer time. It's a quaint, refined museum that is also a school of art. I highly recommend Fountain Elms, the preserved home of the donors from the 19th century. It's rich in Victorian history and art. My favorite paintings are from the Thomas Cole collection "The Voyage of Life." It's spectacular. read more

Munson-Williams Proctor Arts Institute is a wonderful arts/cultural resource for the local community. And.. bonus.. admission is free! My favorite paintings were always Thomas Cole's "The Voyage of Life". I've been fascinated with those paintings since I was in elementary school. The art museum portion of the grounds also has a little art studio for children equipped with easels, markers, paint, and other creative resources. It looks like a great place for the little ones to blow off some artistic steam. I always find something cool and unusual to buy in the museum's gift shop upstairs. They sell some art books and how-to kits for children. If you're looking for books on local history, they have a pretty solid selection of those, as well. I usually head straight for the jewelry counter to ogle everything inside that sparkles. ;-) If you like antiques and turn-of-the-century architecture, definitely check out Fountain Elms. The interior is beautiful, particularly when it's decorated for the holidays. It's art. It's culture. It's free. Go-go-go! read more

Don't miss the Steve McCurry photography exhibit while it lasts - worth the $10 fee. Short videos allow you to hear from Steve first-hand on topics such as technique, process and journey. Gorgeous sample of photos on display three rooms long. The Elm House self-guided tour was quick, but offers a glimpse into the life of Utica's wealthiest early family. read more

Munson - Art Schools Near Me - Utica, New York

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The arts institute combines two very different collection, one of family-ish memorabilia in the family home and an art collection in a connected modern building. I visited primarily for the art collection, which is displayed in airy and spacious galleries. Definitely worth an afternoon's visit! Combine it with lunch at the excellent terrace cafe (which seems to be open only part of the year), and try to sit outside! read more

The collection is world class, even though it is small. Munson Williams is the equivalent of the Smithsonian Institute for Utica, New York. The original endowment was from the Munson-Williams-Proctor families, who I think even intermarried. The Museum turned the money into a building by the world-renowned architect Philip Johnson. The Museum also keeps the Proctor household as a part of the museum. In the past ten years, the Institute has expanded to include a brand new art school with several buildings. This extension of the Museum represents no less than a much needed renaissance for Utica New York, which has a post-industrial economy. The Art Institute represents no less than the imagination of Utica. That said, while the design classes and computer modelling classes are excellent, I would like the school to integrate engineering and invention to these curricula. read more

If you're in the Cooperstown/Utica area this museum is well worth a visit. While the resident collection is decidedly average, the big draw for me was the Summer 2016 featured exhibition: a McCurry photography exhibit that is absolutely incredible. (McCurry is best known for taking the "Afghan Girl" photo used on the cover of National Geographic, and that is truly representative of the rest of his work.) The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any questions about the works, and the $10 admission (for the exhibit - the rest of the museum is free) is well worth it. read more

This museum is wonderful, and brings in a lot of great shows. We went to the Warhol exhibit a few years ago and they displayed it so well. My favorite was an entire room filled with Mylar pillows! Amazing. Monet to Matisse was crowded when we went, but the flow of the place is good and can handle a lot of people. There is an impressive standard collection too. Three levels of thumbs up. Make sure to tour the Munson house near the cafe. Really interesting history. Bring the family, there's a children's room in case the little ones need a break, which is nice. Lots of art materials, books and other hands on activities. I believe they have a cafe, although we have not eaten there. read more

I love this little gem in the middle of Utica. The sidewalk art show is a wonderful way to draw people in and the lectures are very thought-provoking. read more

The Arts Institute museum and the Fountain Elms house next door are an unexpected diamond in the rough in a city trying to get on its feet again. Either would be worth a detour; together they are a can't miss. The museum is a bite-size collection of well curated works - everything from Hudson River School paintings to modern art by Frank Stella. Most works are accompanied by well-written descriptions. The Fountain Elms house is a time capsule of American upper class life, ca. 1850 - a truly unique period house. If your visit is like ours, there are no crowds, you park in front on the street and bathe in the marvelous legacy this influential family (actually, its daughters) left to the city that enabled their success. read more