Upcoming Exhibitions

An Eye for Detail: European Paintings 1500-1900

May 23 - August 23, 2026

European painters have delighted in capturing the smallest details—the fur on a dog, the pattern of lace, the sly smile on a naughty boy’s face. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to look closely at European paintings from the 16th-19th centuries now in a local private collection. It features stunning portraits and captivating genre scenes by premier painters such as Lucas Cranach, Hans Baldung Grien, Thomas Gainsborough and Jan Steen.

America at 250: 25 Decades of Collected Memories

May 23, 2026 - February 14, 2027

Starting with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the United States have been conducting the great “American experiment” for the last 250 years. For 25 decades, people have kept and collected objects that were important to them for a variety of reasons. By looking back at what materials were collected by the museum since its founding, we catch a glimpse of the ways that our community have been impacted by and left their mark on American history.

Iron & Honor: The Art of Knighthood

June 20 - October 11, 2026

The medieval knight in armor is one of the most popular figures in the collective imagination. This exhibition brings these legendary figures to life through an exceptional selection of objects from the collection of European weaponry and armor from the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy. From battlefields to royal courts, explore the various aspects of the knights’ life including their code of honor, their equipment, their role in military actions and their role in the societies of the Middle Ages. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for Spokane to get a closer look at the masterpieces of complete suits of armor, helmets, swords, and shields that highlight the incredible craftsmanship of the era’s artisans.

Carrying Tradition

July 11, 2026 - May, 2027

Carrying Tradition invites visitors into living practice of Columbia River Plateau basket weaving. Through baskets that carry food, knowledge, and responsibility, the exhibit reveals how tradition moves forward through hands, families, and the land. Highlighting learning across generations, active cultural practice, and deep relationships with place, the experience centers continuity rather than nostalgia – presenting weaving as a vibrant expression of identity, stewardship, and care for the future.