Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) stands as a testament to the power of community vision and collaboration. Established in 1972, its origins trace back to two passionate groups of Brattleboro residents united by a common goal: saving the town’s historic Union Station from demolition. One envisioned a museum dedicated to local history, while the other imagined a vibrant space for art exhibitions and classes. At the request of the town’s selectboard, the two groups combined their efforts, giving birth to an institution that would become a cultural anchor for southern Vermont.

Volunteers dedicated months to cleaning and renovating the old station, transforming it into a welcoming space. When BMAC opened its doors on September 10, 1972, visitors encountered a unique blend of history and contemporary creativity: artifacts on one side of the lobby and an art exhibition featuring Wolf Kahn, David Rohn, and other artists with local connections on the other. Folk musician Margaret MacArthur’s performance added to the celebratory spirit of that inaugural day.

Over the past five decades, BMAC has evolved into a dynamic, non-collecting contemporary art museum with a focus on the work of living artists. Presenting 15–20 exhibitions annually, it offers a platform for nationally recognized creators while also highlighting the talents of the region. Its programs extend far beyond the gallery walls, with 60–70 public events each year, including artist talks, workshops, and performances. The museum’s educational initiatives, developed in collaboration with local schools and organizations, foster creativity and engagement across all ages.

Today, BMAC remains true to its founding spirit—serving as a place where art inspires conversation, strengthens community, and connects the past to the present. In its restored station home, it continues to welcome all who seek to experience the transformative power of contemporary art.