It’s rare to stumble upon a hidden gem in your own backyard. But that’s exactly what I experienced this past Spring when I took a guided tour of the newly expanded Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) with Kristina Brought, the museum’s Marketing Coordinator. Despite living in the Tri-Cities area for over 15 years, I had never set foot inside. After my visit, I can only ask myself: What took me so long?

With its recent $15.4 million expansion, the MMA has undergone a transformation that positions it as a premier cultural institution, not only on the lakeshore but across the Midwest. The museum, now expanded to 57,570 square feet, is a marvel of art, architecture, and community ambition. The newly added Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion, named in honor of renowned art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt, features four state-of-the-art galleries, an underground print gallery, two educational studios, a reimagined gift shop, and a peaceful outdoor sculpture park.

“This expansion has elevated the museum to a whole new level,” said Brought. “It’s something really special for our community, and it’s attracting attention not just regionally, but internationally.”

For years, the Muskegon Museum of Art has quietly built a collection that rivals those of larger metropolitan museums. Its diverse and carefully curated exhibitions often surprise first-time visitors. 

“The local community used to call it ‘the best-kept secret of Muskegon,’” Brought explained. “But now that we have the space to show off what we have, it’s time to let that secret out.”

And what a secret it was. On display are works from luminaries such as Edward Hopper, Kehinde Wiley, Winslow Homer, Chihuly, Artemisia Gentileschi, and John Steuart Curry, seamlessly blending classics with contemporary masterpieces. The museum also prides itself on its emphasis on figurative realist paintings by women artists, a focus that distinguishes the MMA as one of the few institutions globally with such a commitment.

If you’ve not yet visited the MMA since the expansion, this summer is the perfect opportunity. The museum is hosting two major exhibitions that promise to captivate and inspire.

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life takes guests on an interactive journey through the iconic chef’s life, celebrating her pioneering spirit and enduring influence on American cuisine. At the same time, The Bennett Prize: Rising Voices 4 highlights the powerful works of ten female figurative realist painters, including a solo show for finalist Amy Werntz, who was awarded a $50,000 prize.

“The Bennett Prize is all about amplifying the voices of women artists,” Brought said. “It’s not just about showing beautiful work, but also about challenging the norms in the art world and lifting up perspectives that have been underrepresented.”

Designed by Annum Architects of Boston and Mathison & Mathison Architects of Grand Rapids, and constructed by Erhardt Construction, the museum's expansion is rooted in accessibility, community, and education. From viewable collection storage to hands-on education studios, the new facilities are designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The museum’s calendar is bustling with events, including Family Day Celebrations and community receptions, all intended to make art more accessible and welcoming.

“There’s something here for everyone,” Brought emphasized. “Whether you're a lifelong art lover or someone walking through our doors for the first time, you'll find something that resonates.”

Visit the MMA this summer, www.muskegonartmuseum.com, you’ll wonder why you waited this long too!