Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
A visual arts museum with 11 galleries featuring 3-4 loaned exhibitions and permanent collection galleries focused on American art. Free and family programming includes a first-Friday Art Hop, monthly Art Detectives gathering on the 2nd Saturday of the month; and a Friday Teen Night. A family gallery offers hands-on fun for children 2 and up, with a black light corner, book nook, mechanical drawing "robots", pegboard art-making, a drawing walli, even a n antique communication device: a typewriter!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
182 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
54
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
2
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,154 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We have stopped to visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts a couple of times in the past as we travel across the state. A modern building, their entrance is graced with a Chihuly chandelier and a large Calder mobile. A wonderful George Rickey moving sculpture sits in front of the museum. Their permanent collection is interesting with works by such noted artists as Charles Wilson Peale, John Singleton Copley, Hiram Powers, Deborah Butterfield, and Andy Warhol. They have some very interesting Abstract Expressionist paintings, including two by Helen Frankenthaler. Michigan and Midwest artists are represented well. I was surprised to see their small but diverse Tiffany collection. We also took in their current special exhibition American Realism: Visions of America, 1900-1950 with works by noted American artists like Robert Henri, John Sloan and Reginald Marsh as well as local favorite Zoltan Sepeshy. Having visited to see past special exhibitions, we hope to return to see another one soon.
Written February 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
Arnold, MD33 contributions
Jan 2020
this museum has a very good, eclectic permanent collection and temporary exhibits, usually with local artists.
they offer many classes for the amateur and even beginning artists in many mediums. my favorite events is the Noontime lectures
they offer many classes for the amateur and even beginning artists in many mediums. my favorite events is the Noontime lectures
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate Y
2 contributions
Dec 2019
11 years ago, I had a first date at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. We had an amazing time and long story short, are about to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and the 2nd and 8th birthdays of our children. It is a gorgeous facility. The exhibits are always excellently curated and thought-provoking. They offer fantastic programming for all audiences including children and families. We also LOVE the annual Art Sale in December. It is the perfect spot to find unique gifts. We are so lucky to have such an gem located right here in the heart of our community.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary, and we couldn't be more grateful for you taking the time to write. Thank you for your continued support -- you are why we do this!
Written January 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
virginia s
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
How self-centered the KIA staff is to think only theirs & their cronies work is worthy to display for the Christmas sale. Room after room was full of pottery, they could have at least dedicated a room to paintings for the students. They found a way to display pottery everywhere, so they could have also found a way to display all the paintings entered as well. I entered 4 paintings, but the KIA staff deceptively hide 3 in an off-limits closet during the sale leaving me to believe they were sold… I was very excited, only to be crushed by the truth later. The KIA appears to be a very snobby org.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E9185FXjohnm
Grand Blanc Township, MI468 contributions
Jul 2018
The cost to see the exhibits, was very reasonable, and there was a donation box, which we gladly contributed to, as well. We ventured into the hand-blown glass exhibit and were delighted to see some of the most exquisite, rare, and wonderful pieces of hand-made glass art!
We ventured further in, and then went downstairs, where there were many wonderful paintings, sculptures, works and artifacts to see! There was even a room for the kids, to “artfully” express themselves, too! The exhibits were all well designed and well presented. Definitely worth the visit!
We ventured further in, and then went downstairs, where there were many wonderful paintings, sculptures, works and artifacts to see! There was even a room for the kids, to “artfully” express themselves, too! The exhibits were all well designed and well presented. Definitely worth the visit!
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irish Fan 1981
Sylvania, OH75 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
I thought this place was really nice. Admission was only $5, and we enjoyed ourselves for a couple of hours. The staff would sometimes offer information about a particular painting we were viewing which was appreciated. I liked the current glass exhibition. The gift shop has VERY nice items. Lovely way to spend part of the afternoon.
Written July 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David P
San Clemente, CA13 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Attended a wedding reception here, and the galleries were all open while attendees were waiting for the bridal party to arrive. Interesting exhibits throughout. The Chihuly Glass sculpture at the entrance is really beautiful! The staff were very kind and well informed. Great info from the security person, and the event manager was very helpful at the end as we were cleaning up. If you are in downtown Kalamazoo and want something interesting to do, stop by the Institute of Arts. You won't regret it!
Written September 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace J
Kalamazoo, MI47 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
The KIA is super boring and there isnt much to do or see. I would only go if it is free and you already happen to be downtown and have 15 minutes to kill.
Written June 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tudomany
Ann Arbor, Michigan97 contributions
Aug 2013 • Business
Do plan a visit to this museum when in Kalamazoo. It shows a varied selection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and photographs in an airy, well laid out building. Besides the fine permanent collection, the museum also does temporary exhibitions. We saw an extraordinary collection of Japanese bamboo sculptures, the paintings of a Michigan native, Catherine Hinkle, and a centenary tribute to the Armory Show of 1913 on our recent visit. There is a well-stocked reference library and a gift shop. Of special interest for those with children, is a room filled with things to keep them busy and entertained. The highlight was two computer screens on which to compose colorful pictures using pre-programmed elements.
Written August 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynbuy
Kalamazoo, MI154 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
KIA has art classes that are well presented and a small museum that changes enough to keep it interesting. Excellent interactive area for smaller children in the lower level. KIA has had some larger exhibits that they charge special admission for-Chihuly for example but otherwise the $5.00 fee for adults is worth it.
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Recommendation for best hotel nearby. Prefer Hilton
Written May 6, 2018
The very best place is The Kalamazoo House, a most wonderful B&B right next to the KAI. It is also walking distance to downtown, so, don't forget to have a dinner at Rustica!
Written May 7, 2018
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