A New Era for the Muskegon Museum of Art: The Bennett Schmidt Pavilion Opens
The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) has expanded with the 26,000 sq. ft. Bennett Schmidt Pavilion, adding new galleries, education studios, and event spaces. This expansion allows the museum to showcase rotating exhibitions and its permanent collection, blending contemporary design with the original building’s historic charm.
History of the Muskegon Museum of Art
Founded in 1912 by lumber baron Charles Hackley, the museum began as the Hackley Art Gallery with Hackley’s vision of acquiring “pictures of the best kind.” His legacy laid the foundation for Muskegon’s cultural landscape, with a major renovation in the 1980s transforming it into the Muskegon Museum of Art, cementing its place in the region’s artistic life.
Lulu F. Miller’s Lasting Legacy
Lulu Miller, originally a librarian at Hackley Public Library, became director of both the library and Hackley Art Gallery in 1916 when both were under Muskegon Public Schools. During her tenure, she expanded the collection with significant acquisitions, including Edward S. Curtis’s photo portfolio and Winslow Homer’s Answering the Horn. Retiring in 1930, she left a lasting impact as the second female art institution director in U.S. history. Her leadership advanced the museum’s national success, championed women in the arts, and strengthened inclusivity and diversity in its collections and operations.
A Bold New Chapter: Expanding Art, Creativity & Community
The Bennett Schmidt Pavilion nearly doubles the Muskegon Museum of Art’s size, creating more space for exhibitions and community events. Visitors can explore one of the largest gallery spaces in Michigan and are welcomed by a striking glass sculpture by artist Beth Lipman at the entrance. This piece highlights the museum’s commitment to women artists and makes a powerful first impression.
The pavilion’s sleek architecture contrasts beautifully with the historic wing, symbolizing the museum’s evolution. Open spaces and natural light create a welcoming atmosphere that merges past and future in innovative design. The new galleries host rotating exhibitions, including large-scale shows, with an average of 15 exhibitions annually.
Championing Inclusivity: The Bennett Schmidt Pavilion and Women in the Arts
The expansion highlights gender equity, with a dedicated focus on women artists—both historical and contemporary. The Muskegon Museum of Art is addressing their historical underrepresentation by growing its permanent collection in the new Bennett Schmidt Pavilion. Opening with the pavilion is a selection from The Bennett Collection, a gift of over 150 figurative realist paintings by women artists from collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt. This donation strengthens the museum’s commitment to showcasing both historic and contemporary women artists and advancing representation in the arts.
More Galleries, More Art
With the addition of new galleries, the museum displays much more of its extensive collection, reducing storage space and enhancing the visitor experience. The historic wing now fully showcases the permanent collection, while the new galleries focus on rotating exhibitions.
The Historic Wing: A New Home for the Permanent Collection
The historic wing now houses a larger selection of the MMA’s permanent collection. Walking through this space, surrounded by these works, offers a new sense of awe, revealing the depth of the MMA collection and how much has been in storage for years. The former Cannon Gallery has been transformed to feature the museum’s renowned glass collection.
Viewable Collections Storage: A Behind-the-Scenes Experience
One of the Pavilion’s standout features is its viewable collections storage. Located behind the underground print gallery, this space offers visitors a rare glimpse into the museum’s preservation process through full-length windows. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look that provides insight into how the museum safeguards its precious collection for future generations.
Howmet Sculpture Park: Art in the Open
Situated between the museum’s entrance and Clay Ave., Howmet Sculpture Park combines art with nature. It will also be home to the final public sculpture commissioned by the Muskegon City Public Arts Initiative (MCPAI). The sculpture, designed by world-renowned artist Alice Aycock, will be a tornado-like structure. This welcoming public space connects visitors to both art and the community.
New Education Studios: A Hub for Creativity
The museum’s two new education studios provide an engaging space for hands-on learning through art classes, workshops, and special events. Nearly three times the size of the previous classroom, these studios welcome visitors of all ages and serve as a hub for field trips and Super Saturdays, where guests enjoy free admission and STEAM-focused activities. One studio remains open during museum hours, offering interactive experiences for children. These expanded spaces enhance community access to arts education and inspire lifelong creativity.
Exciting New Event Spaces
Versatile Event Spaces at the Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion
The Bennett Schmidt Pavilion expands the museum’s event offerings with thoughtfully designed spaces for gatherings and cultural experiences. The main-level lobby will host museum receptions, happy hours, and community programs like STEAM Along the Lakeshore. On the second level, an event hall overlooks the grand stairway and connects to a historic gallery, offering natural light and panoramic views from Clay Ave to Webster Ave, with glimpses of Muskegon Lake on clear days. This space is ideal for cocktail receptions, gallery events, and other social gatherings, blending art, history, and community in an inviting setting.
Key Works and Exhibits
The opening of the Bennett Schmidt Pavilion brings exciting new works to the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) collection:
• Artemisia Gentileschi, Self-Portrait as Clio: This significant Baroque piece was a gift from Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt.
• Kehinde Wiley: Known for his iconic portrait of President Barack Obama, Wiley's new work is a much-anticipated addition to the MMA’s collection.
• Beth Lipman, One-self I Sing: A commissioned glasswork for the Pavilion’s grand entrance, highlighting Lipman's innovative style.
These acquisitions mark the museum’s continued commitment to broadening its collection and sparking conversation.
Rotating Exhibitions
The new 5,000 sq. ft. gallery is designed to host major exhibitions, including the upcoming:
• Julia Child: A Recipe for Life (June - September, 2025): A deliciously immersive exhibition about the beloved chef’s life.
• Comics and Disney: An exploration of the cultural impact of comics and Disney.
• Celebrating Women Artists: Highlighting the achievements of female artists across various media.
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts about the Bennett Schmidt Pavilion Expansion
Building the Bennett Schmidt Pavilion came with quirky, unexpected moments. For example, bottles were found in the sand, adding a bit of mystery to the project. Large exhibition banners were left attached to the building and remain on the walls between the historic and new wings, becoming part of the museum’s story for years to come.
Tight spaces and budget constraints meant cramming artwork crates everywhere, in every corner. But the team still managed to get everything ready in time for the grand opening.
Key Partnerships and Collaborations
The MMA’s expansion owes much to the generosity of its donors, including Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, who not only donated their collection but also provided substantial financial support for the project. The architectural vision was realized with the help of Annum Architects, Mathison | Mathison Architects, Erhardt Construction, and Construction Simplified, while volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the museum was ready on time.
Accessibility, Sustainability, and Economic Impact
The expansion significantly improved accessibility, including a new entrance on Webster Ave., ramps, elevators, and family restrooms, creating a more inclusive experience for all visitors. The museum’s growth also has a positive impact on Muskegon’s local economy, attracting visitors from around the world and strengthening the city’s cultural reputation. As the museum continues to grow, it’s helping to support local businesses and create job opportunities in tourism, arts, and event sectors.
Membership Benefits and Future Plans
MMA members enjoy exclusive perks like invitations to member-only events and discounts in the (new!) Museum Store. The museum also offers reciprocal benefits at over 1,000 museums nationwide. Learn more about membership benefits here!
Looking ahead, the MMA plans to host larger exhibitions and install new outdoor sculptures, further expanding its cultural offerings.