Art, History and More
Great Falls is known as the Museum Capital of Montana - and you’ll see why
Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to let their inner artist, creativity and quirkiness shine. Art is the lifeblood of Great Falls, and residents are either appreciating or creating art at almost every turn. Sometimes art comes in the form of a gallery opening at a museum or of murals painted downtown or dance performers at outdoor events, and sometimes, simply of the colors of the sky as the sun sets.
Wherever your inner artist leads you, you’ll always be able to come back and find inspiration at one of Great Falls museums and galleries.
Art Museums
C. M. Russell Museum: Unleash your artistic spirit while exploring famous artwork by world-renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell. Great Falls resident Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926) is one of America’s greatest artists, and he found his inspiration right here in Great Falls. Today the museum holds more than 3,000 pieces of Western art – you’ll find the works of O.C. Seltzer, Winold Reiss, and others alongside over 1,000 original Charles M. Russell creations.
Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art: The Square cultivates public exposure to contemporary and self-taught art through dynamic exhibitions, thoughtful collection and preservation, and multi-generational educational programming while serving as a cultural center in a historic building.
Galerie Trinitas: This collection of works showcases the art of Sister Mary Trinitas Morin, a multimedia artist and master craftsman. As campus art professor for nearly 33 years, Trinitas left a rich legacy of art, which can be admired on University of Providence’s campus today.
Wrangler Gallery: Downtown you’ll find the Wrangler Gallery, a space where Western masters of the past and present are exhibited alongside each other, allowing a unique experience for viewers and collectors alike.
History Museums
The History Museum: Art meets history at The History Museum. This special place collects artifacts that illustrate the history of Cascade County and the surrounding Central Montana area. The History Museum is also home to The Ozark Club, of which historian Ken Robison says, “for three decades…helped to break down racial barriers and provided an exhilarating form of music that could lift the human spirit and put a joyful smile on the listener’s face.”
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center: “Re-live the 1804-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition’s 8,000-mile journey across western North America in the comfort of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. Built into a scenic bluff with spectacular views of the Missouri River, the Center’s exhibits and ranger programs bring alive the indomitable spirit of exploration.” Read more on Visit Montana.
First People’s Buffalo Jump: Connect with history and nature at First People’s Buffalo Jump, an archaeological site believed to be one of the largest preserved buffalo jumps in the country. Learn how native peoples used the terrain for at least 2,000 years before Lewis and Clark’s expedition west. The kill site consists of a mile long sandstone cliff where there are remnants of drive lines where the natives used to run the buffalo off the sides, and up to 18 ft. of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. There is a museum at the base where you can learn all about the history of native nations in Montana and how they lived.
Unique Museums
The Children’s Museum: For over 20 years, the Children’s Museum of Montana has been a place for children to enjoy productive, interactive, and educational activities year-round, igniting a passion for lifelong learning. For only $5, your little one can pretend to save lives as a doctor in the Little Falls Clinic, learn about money in the Giant Springs Credit Union, or live on the homestead of the frontier.
The Children’s Museum is raising money to support major changes over the next several years, including moving into a larger facility and expanding exhibit – we’re excited for it!
Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum: Come check out one of the largest military model aircraft displays in the northwest, World War II Era barracks rooms, missile launch consoles, flight suit and Survival Equipment displays – and so much more.
Cowboy Bar and Museum: Old West museum by day and karaoke bar by night, the Cowboy Bar and Museum is an eclectic mix of western artifact fanatics and good ol’ Great Fallsians.
Located in the middle of town in an authentic log cabin with double fireplaces and replicas of hitching posts from Montana’s frontier days, you can enjoy a $2.00 draft with real-life cowboys and cowgirls!
Western Art Week
Once every year, thousands of people from around the world flock to Great Falls for Western Art Week, the largest auction of Western art in the word, including 16 shows and over 800 artists exhibiting their work.
Learn More