Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art

A work of art itself, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of American Art in the Midwest. The former William Albrecht home provides the perfect backdrop for works by artists including Mary Cassatt, Robert Henri and Edward Hopper.

The Museum originated in 1913 with the foundation of the St. Joseph Art League–twelve women who sought to increase public awareness and understanding of the arts.

Through special exhibitions, educational programs, performance events and publications, the Albrecht-Kemper serves as a cultural arts center for Northwest Missouri.

Exhibits

The Albrecht-Kemper Museum opens two new exhibitions on September 17 that will give viewers a chance to experience the local art scene through two different lenses. The Joe Show: Selections from The Gray Manufacturing Corporate Collection is the first public exhibition of this local corporate collection where viewers can immerse themselves in the viewpoint of an enthusiastic collector and business who have embraced the idea that surrounding ourselves with beautiful, interesting objects makes for a happier, more productive life. Missouri Art Now presents a snapshot of contemporary art from all four corners of Missouri.

Joseph Gray’s interest in art grew out his support for the artistic pursuits of his wife Anne. He started collecting artwork in the late 1950’s. His primary criteria for selecting artwork was finding a connection to the work. He explains, “I look at it and it seems to say something to me.” When he started displaying his collection at the offices of his company, Gray Manufacturing, in 1995 he discovered that he was not the only one who developed connections to the artwork. The collection has grown to over 1300 pieces, many of which fill the offices and hallways of his businesses. The company quickly discovered that surrounding their employees with artwork had a quantifiable effect on morale and productivity. The Joe Show will be the first time that this collection has been on view to the general public.

As the state of Missouri honors its past during the Bicentennial year of 2021, several museums throughout the state have coordinated to recognize the active visual arts community that continues to thrive throughout the state. The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau, Post Art Library and Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, The State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia, and the Hannibal Arts Council have all hosted Missouri Art Now, an exhibition of 60 works by 60 artists selected from hundreds of submissions throughout the state. The AKMA will be the final exhibition site from September 17 through November 7. This exhibition is peek at the diverse voices of artists working in Missouri now. These 60 works explore the broad range of experiences to be found the rural, suburban and urban milieus. Viewers can look for connections between the traditional oil landscapes, experimental abstract textiles, and delicate still lifes and engage with the vibrant contemporary art scenes from across the state.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.