SVMOA - Sun Valley Museum of Art

The Sun Valley Museum of Art, located in Ketchum, Idaho, stands as a vital cultural institution within the Wood River Valley. Established in 1971 as the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities, the museum was founded on the belief that a thriving community needs more than natural beauty—it needs access to meaningful artistic and cultural experiences. Over the past five decades, the museum has evolved into a dynamic hub for contemporary art and education, inspiring creativity and fostering dialogue through thoughtful programming.

As Idaho’s oldest arts organization and one of just a handful in the state accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, SVMoA has become a cornerstone for the region’s artistic identity. It engages over 20,000 visitors annually through a wide array of visual art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, films, and educational initiatives. From its beginnings on land donated by Bill Janss, the museum has grown into a forward-thinking institution that responds to both regional and national conversations with curiosity and openness.

SVMoA’s exhibitions are designed to be timely, relevant, and deeply connected to place. As a non-collecting institution, the museum has the freedom to invite artists whose practices align with specific themes, encouraging the creation of new, original work that reflects pressing cultural issues. This approach supports a fresh and innovative curatorial model that keeps the programming responsive and resonant.

Education remains central to SVMoA’s mission. Through collaborations with schools, artist residencies, workshops, and youth programs, the museum nurtures learning at all levels. By offering a space for shared experience and discovery, the Sun Valley Museum of Art continues to enrich the lives of those who live in and visit the valley, ensuring that art remains an essential part of its identity and future.