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ALTOONA

When you first enter the chandelier-lit museum lobby, you can see the space remains a beautiful showcase of the precise architecture of The Brett Building, a building that has been a staple in Altoona since the 1920s. Retail clothier Jacob Brett chose a more "modern" design than the Neoclassical neighboring structures for his prestigious new department store and office building. In a downtown revitalization project, the building was reimagined as an art museum using the history of the building and its original use as inspiration for the gallery designs.

Otis Visual Media
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Permanent Collection

EXPLORE THE GALLERIES

The incredibly distinctive George A. and Herbert T. Wolf Gallery was designed to invoke the feeling of rail travel with a similar shape and feel, where the artwork acts as the railcar windows. This important design element pays homage to the photography collection of William H. Rau, who was a commercial photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1800s.

The Shirley and Fred A. Pechter Gallery and Paul I. Detwiler Education Center are unique in their ability to transform with each installation. The long ramp down to Detwiler allows artwork to be shown in the more traditional museum sense and the open-floor concept of the rest of the gallery is the multi-purpose area. This has been used for some of the favorite community-participation driven workshops for children and adults that take place year-round. 

Becoming accustomed with the floor plan in advance of your visit will help you find your way around the museum.  The museum is accessible to everybody! Download floor plan here.

 EXHIBITIONS

Enjoy community outreach programs and fine art offerings with special receptions and workshops with exhibiting artists! Find more information on what's on display on the exhibitions tab and register for events below.

VIBE CURATION COMMITTEE

Recently established, this group serves to provide financial and volunteer support for the Museum. The committee is also charged with increasing public attention on the Museum and helping to broaden its membership.

EVENTS

  • Yoga in the Museum
    Yoga in the Museum
    Sun, Sep 22
    Sep 22, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    Altoona, 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
    with Anita of Arya Yoga Studio
  • Democracy Roundtable
    Democracy Roundtable
    Sat, Oct 05
    Oct 05, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Altoona, 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
    a "We the People" exhibition event
  • Artists in Our Midst Awards Ceremony
    Artists in Our Midst Awards Ceremony
    Fri, Oct 25
    Oct 25, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Altoona, 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
    an Art in Common production
  • Yoga in the Museum
    Yoga in the Museum
    Sun, Oct 27
    Oct 27, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    Altoona, 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
    with Anita of Arya Yoga Studio
  • Meet & Mingle
    Meet & Mingle
    Sun, Oct 27
    Oct 27, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Altoona, 1210 11th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601, USA
    with artist Heidi Manfred
  • Dueling Pianos
    Dueling Pianos
    Fri, Nov 01
    Nov 01, 2024, 6:30 PM
    Blairmont Club, 265 Larch St, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, USA
    a fundraiser for Altoona featuring the return of the Flying Ivories

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

Dante DiAndrea

Danté DiAndrea

Site Director

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