Upcoming exhibits
The season is highlighted by the exhibition Herb Ritts: The Rock Portraits (April 2-September 2, 2019). Known for his elegant and minimalist work, photographer Herb Ritts (1952-2002) had a gift for turning stars into icons. In Herb Ritts: The Rock Portraits, the first collection of the photographic portraits of musicians, visitors will see how he captured the likes of David Bowie, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Madonna—the world's biggest music stars—and in the process, helped define their iconic status for generations of fans. The exhibition, on loan from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, presents many of his best-known portraits and some of the costumes and instruments used by the artists featured in the exhibition.Collections
The world-class collections housed at the Fenimore Art museum present the history of American culture through art. Exhibits on-view include the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, The Coopers of Cooperstown, Fine Art from the Permanent Collection, and American Memory: Recalling the Past in Folk Art.FAQs
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What is the history of the Fenimore Art Museum?
The museum opened its doors in 1944, but you can trace its beginnings to Ticonderoga, New York in 1926, where the New York State Historical Association (NYSHA) was founded. In 1939, Stephen Carlton Clark made it his mission to move the organization and its collections to Cooperstown. To accomplish this, he donated his estate on the shore of beautiful Otsego Lake (Fenimore House) and it soon became NYSHA's permanent home. The Neo-Georgian structure saw major structural enhancements in 1968 and 1995 to create the modern yet classic museum that exists today, now known as Fenimore Art Museum. -
Can you rent the Fenimore Art Museum for special events?
The beauty of the structure and a prime location on the western shore of Otsego Lake make this the perfect place to host your special event. From small conferences, meetings and lectures to cocktail receptions and elegant weddings, multiple venues throughout the estates expansive grounds provide great options for any event.