"The Boise Art Museum or BAM" is the only AAM accredited art museum in the State of Idaho. It began in 1931 as the Boise Art Association when a group of thirty people interested in promoting art in the city of Boise and throughout the state met in the Crystal Lounge of the Hotel Boise. Their purpose was to organize an association whose duties were to acquire and maintain a suitable gallery, hosting traveling exhibitions and promoting fine art in Boise. Their first official exhibition was held at the Hotel Boise.

Original Exterior

In 1937, the Association’s goals were realized through a partnership among the Boise Art Association, the City of Boise and the federal Works Progress Administration. The Boise Gallery of Art was constructed in Julia Davis Park in the heart of downtown Boise. Exclusively managed by volunteers from the Boise Art Association, the 3,000 sq. ft. Art Deco building was composed of two galleries and a small office/lobby space. Although the gallery did not actively collect, it presented local and regional artwork and played an important role in Boise’s growing community.

In 1961, the Boise Art Association incorporated as a non-profit organization under the name Boise Gallery of Art. In the mid-sixties, the first professional staff was hired and programming became more ambitious. The need for additional space quickly became a priority, and in 1972, the gallery moved to a temporary location as construction began on a year-long expansion program. The 10,000 sq. ft. addition included enlarged galleries, a lobby, sales shop, vault and studio space, allowing the institution to lay the foundation for its current mission, Permanent Collection, exhibition practices and educational programs, including a docent program.

Interior Gallery

In 1986, the institution successfully completed a capital and endowment campaign allowing for a second renovation, expansion of its galleries, and support of its new facilities. Upon completion of the expansion in 1988, the Museum was awarded its initial accreditation by the American Association of Museums, with subsequent accreditation awarded in 1996. That same year, 1988, the Museum was renamed Boise Art Museum to reflect its focus on developing its Permanent Collection and education program as well as the display of significant traveling exhibitions. At this same time, Glenn C. Janss, a Sun Valley resident, placed her nationally known collection of American Realist works on long-term loan with the Museum. In 1989, Collectors Forum, which is a Museum membership driven organization, was established to provide funds to expand and further develop the collections. A schedule of education programs was created and continues today, with such offerings as studio art programs, school tours, lectures, after hours events, and family days.

In 1997, BAM embarked upon a multi-million dollar campaign, supported by the City of Boise and the community, which enabled BAM to increase its facilities by 13,800 square feet to a total of 34,800 square feet. This most recent expansion reflects the Museum’s dedication to its Permanent Collection, display of multiple exhibitions, and educational programming. The Museum added five more galleries devoted to the display of its Permanent Collection, a 2,775 square foot sculpture court; an education wing comprised of three studios and an interactive children’s gallery; art storage vault, art prep area, and staff offices. As a result of the expansion and community support, BAM’s exhibitions, programming and attendance have grown significantly over the past two years.

BAM plays a leadership role in the cultural life of its community through a growing Permanent Collection which focuses on regional and national artwork, nationally acclaimed exhibitions and an education program that reaches more than 13,000 students each year. BAM recently developed its strategic plans for the coming five-year period. These plans focus on increasing attendance, reaching a broader audience by expanding community engagement efforts in connection with exhibitions, enhancing educational programming, improving the Museum’s web site through additional interactive components, and increasing the endowment to ensure BAM’s continued growth and success in the future.

Note: All text is verbatim from The BAM's "brief history" page