Niagara University - 5795 Lewiston Road, 7 Varsity Drive - NY 14109
The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University stands as a vibrant center for art, culture, and community engagement in Western New York. Rooted in the vision of Armand J. Castellani and his wife Eleanor, the museum reflects a lifelong passion for art and philanthropy. Armand’s journey began in Giuliano di Roma, Italy, before his family immigrated to Niagara Falls. After serving in the army, he transformed his family’s grocery store into a thriving business empire, all while fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.
A pivotal trip to Italy in 1956 introduced Armand to the works of Giotto, inspiring him to begin collecting art. Over the years, the Castellanis assembled an impressive collection exceeding 3,000 pieces, with the goal of making art accessible to the local community. This dream took shape in collaboration with Niagara University and generous donors, leading to the opening of the Castellani Art Museum in 1990, an expansion of the earlier Buscaglia-Castellani Gallery founded in 1978.
Today, the museum houses over 5,500 works, spanning modern and contemporary art, regional folk traditions, and pieces celebrating the iconic Niagara Falls. Its mission remains firmly tied to education, offering opportunities for students, residents, and visitors to engage with diverse artistic expressions.
Architect Thomas Moscati designed the striking building, featuring elegant white-gray marble from Italy, twelve monumental pillars, and a soaring central exhibition hall surrounded by seven galleries. The museum’s nine gallery spaces, along with studios and classrooms, serve as hubs for both exhibitions and academic programs.
The Castellani Art Museum invites all who enter to explore, learn, and be inspired. In the words of Armand Castellani, “If you have enthusiasm, you can do anything,” a sentiment that continues to shape the museum’s spirit and legacy.
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