Exhibitions & Events
The Palmer Museum of Art presents new and changing special exhibitions and related programming every year. See below to check out what’s on view in person or online, what’s coming up, or what past exhibitions have been at the museum.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Designed for the Future: The New Palmer Museum of Art at the Arboretum
October 15-May 7, 2023
Special Exhibitions Gallery, First Floor
Designed for the Future focuses on the transformational new building for the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State. The new 71,254-square-foot museum will directly neighbor the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens in The Arboretum, substantially boosting access to the university’s art collections for students, faculty, staff and the public. Designed by Allied Works Architecture, the new Palmer will seamlessly integrate art, architecture and nature, and nearly double the space for the exhibition, study and stewardship of the collection and special exhibitions. Internationally known for their sensitive and elegant bridging of nature and architecture, Allied Works was selected as the architect based on their deep expertise in the design of arts and educational facilities and for their interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. This exhibition will present the architect’s model, drawings, plans, renderings and a fly-through animation that will allow visitors to truly envision the dynamic and innovative design for the future home of the Palmer Museum of Art, which is anticipated to open in 2024. Organized by the Palmer Museum of Art.
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Tours
Interested in scheduling a group tour at the museum? There are many options for families, classes, and groups at the Palmer Museum.
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Not ready to visit in person? Explore the Palmer virtually!
Past Exhibitions
Missed a recent show? Check out these recent special exhibitions.
Staff Picks: A Selection of Palmer Favorites
June 3-September 18, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, First Floor
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HOME/STUDIO: 2022 Penn State School of Visual Arts Faculty Show
May 28-August 28, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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Those Who Taught: Selected Works by Former Faculty
May 20-August 14, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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An American Place: Selections from the James and Barbara Palmer Collection
January 29-May 1, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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A Way Through: Abstract Art of the 1940s
January 15-May 15, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, First Floor
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Printmaking in the Age of Dürer
January 18-May 8, 2022
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
August 28-December 12, 2021
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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Place to Place: Recent Gifts of American Drawings and Watercolors, 1900-1950
September 14-December 12, 2021
Special Exhibitions Gallery, First Floor
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Ukiyo-e: Images from the Floating World, Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Permanent Collection
August 28-December 5, 2021
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Second Floor
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Summer Light: American Impressionist Paintings from the Thomas Clark Collection
May 8-August 29, 2021
Permanent Collection
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