Racine Art Museum | Milwaukee

The Racine Art Museum (RAM), located at 441 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin, is a leading institution in the United States devoted exclusively to contemporary craft and visual arts. Founded in 1941 and housed in a strikingly renovated historic building in downtown Racine since 2003, RAM boasts the largest collection of contemporary craft in North America and has gained international recognition for its commitment to elevating craft to the level of fine art.

Historical Background and Mission

RAM was established to promote and support craft arts, traditionally considered a subset of fine arts but often marginalized in major museums. Its mission is to bridge this gap by presenting contemporary craft alongside painting, sculpture, and other visual art forms, showcasing the innovative work of artists who push the boundaries of traditional craft media. Since moving into its expanded downtown location in 2003, RAM’s permanent collection has grown exponentially, from approximately 2,200 to over 14,000 objects, reflecting a wide range of craft disciplines and diverse artistic voices.

Architectural Design and Facilities

The museum is housed in a carefully restored and transformed historic bank building constructed in 1874. The renovation and expansion, completed in 2000, were designed by Brininstool & Lynch of Chicago. The project enveloped the upper two floors of the original limestone building in a translucent acrylic shell that not only dramatically increased the interior space-from 15,500 square feet to approximately 40,000 square feet-but also created a visually compelling and modern architectural statement that integrates the old and new.

The museum includes:

Spacious, well-lit galleries designed for flexible exhibitions.

A sculpture garden that enhances the visitor experience with outdoor installations.

An art library that supports research and education.

Large storefront windows, which provide prominent exhibition space visible from the street, engaging the public and inviting passersby inside.

In addition to the downtown campus, RAM operates the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, located about two miles away at 2519 Northwestern Avenue. The Wustum Museum campus encompasses 13 acres of parkland, formal gardens, and a historic Italianate farmhouse dating to 1856, used for rotating exhibitions and educational programs. It offers studio art classes taught by nationally and regionally acclaimed artists, community outreach programs, and events that connect art with nature and local history.

Collections and Artistic Focus

RAM’s collection is internationally renowned for its depth and breadth in contemporary craft, containing over 14,000 artworks spanning various media and techniques. The museum emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and innovation in materials and forms, with particular strengths in the following categories:

Ceramics: Over 1,500 pieces by prominent artists such as Rudy Autio, Toshiko Takaezu, and Betty Woodman. The collection includes both functional pottery and sculptural ceramics that challenge traditional boundaries.

Fibers: More than 450 works that include basketry, woven textiles, and sculptural fiber art. These pieces highlight experimentation with materials and forms beyond traditional textile arts.

Glass: Works by influential glass artists such as Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton, and Dan Dailey, showcasing a variety of techniques including blown glass, kiln-formed glass, and mixed media.

Metals: A diverse collection exceeding 1,200 objects ranging from jewelry to large-scale metal sculptures by artists like Albert Paley and Eleanor Moty, representing craftsmanship and artistic innovation.

Wood: Includes turned vessels and furniture pieces, reflecting both functional and artistic uses of wood.

Handmade Books and Paper Arts: Featuring artist books and limited edition prints created using letterpress and lithography methods.

RAM’s collection is dynamic and regularly augmented through acquisitions, donations, and exhibitions, ensuring it remains relevant and reflective of current trends in contemporary craft and visual arts.

Exhibitions and Programming

RAM offers a robust schedule of rotating exhibitions that feature both emerging and established artists. The museum is dedicated to thematic and innovative displays that challenge visitors’ perceptions of craft and art. Recent and ongoing exhibitions include explorations of trompe l’oeil sculpture, interactive art that invites sensory engagement, and focused shows on adornment, perfume bottles, and women in glass art.

In addition to exhibitions, RAM provides extensive educational programming including:

Studio classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels.

Community outreach initiatives designed to engage local schools and underserved populations.

Lectures, artist talks, and special events that deepen public understanding of craft and contemporary art practices.

Visitor Information

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Admission: General admission is $10; seniors, veterans, and students receive a discounted rate of $8; children under 18 and RAM members have free admission. The museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month, sponsored by the Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Facilities: The museum includes a gift shop specializing in craft-related goods, a resourceful art library, and spaces for community gatherings.

Location and Community Impact

RAM is centrally located in downtown Racine, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural vitality and economic development. The museum draws visitors from across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and internationally, making it an important cultural destination. Through its exhibitions, collection, and programs, RAM elevates contemporary craft as a vital and innovative art form and fosters creative expression within the local and broader artistic communities.

The Racine Art Museum is recognized as a leading force in contemporary craft, combining historic architecture, a world-class collection, and progressive programming to provide a rich cultural experience for art lovers, students, and the general public alike.