Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Altoona Our mission is to preserve, exhibit, and advance American art. Rau, the official photographer for the Pennsylvania Railroad at the turn of the 20th century.

The Altoona museum was designed with state-of-the-art exhibition and storage space for quarterly exhibitions and a rare collection of albumen photographic prints by William H. SAMA is located in the Brett Building, a former department store and office building constructed for prominent businessman Jacob Brett in 1922 by Julian Millard.

Some stories should never be forgotten.On Veterans Day, hear the firsthand story of Bob Rummel, a 1968 U.S. Air Force Ai...
10/12/2026

Some stories should never be forgotten.

On Veterans Day, hear the firsthand story of Bob Rummel, a 1968 U.S. Air Force Airborne veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. During Vietnam Revisited: 58 Years Later, Rummel will reflect on his experiences in combat, the sacrifices of those who served alongside him, and a devastating September 1968 battle that claimed 31 lives and wounded 40 soldiers in approximately 30 minutes.

He will also share photographs and stories from his recent journey back to Vietnam—this time as part of a mission focused on reconciliation between American veterans and former Vietnamese combatants.

📅 Nov. 11, 2026 | 12–2 PM
💵 $10 | Light refreshments included

👉 Reserve your spot: https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/veterans

Here’s a sneak peak at "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" exhibition we are installing this week! Da...
10/10/2026

Here’s a sneak peak at "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" exhibition we are installing this week!

David Whiteman’s photographic journey has taken him from the landscapes of Centre County to some of the most remarkable places in the world. His work encompasses landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and the distinctive visual moments he encounters during his travels. While his photographs reflect an appreciation for distant places and extraordinary landscapes, they also demonstrate his belief that compelling images can be found close to home. The exhibition will feature a selection of Whiteman’s photographic work spanning landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and travel. Together, the photographs reflect a lifetime of exploration and a continuing curiosity about the natural world.

Join the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art for the opening Exhibition Celebration of "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" and "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per person and includes refreshments and light appetizers.

Registration is encouraged but not required for George LaVanish & David Whiteman Exhibition Celebration at https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/lavanish-whiteman.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

🎨🔨 SNEAK PEEK: A NEW WAVE OF ART IS COMING TO SAMA ALTOONA! 🖼️📐Ever wonder what it takes to bring a new art exhibition t...
10/09/2026

🎨🔨 SNEAK PEEK: A NEW WAVE OF ART IS COMING TO SAMA ALTOONA! 🖼️📐

Ever wonder what it takes to bring a new art exhibition to life? There’s a whole lot of painting, hammering, measuring, planning, and behind-the-scenes hard work that happens before the first visitor ever steps into the gallery! 👀

Over the next week, we’re rolling up our sleeves and working diligently to transform our galleries in preparation for TWO extraordinary new exhibitions featuring the talent of local Pennsylvania artists!

🦌 Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish
Discover the beauty of the natural world through the remarkable wildlife artwork of George LaVanish of Tyrone, PA.

📸 The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman
Experience the world through the lens of Centre County photographer David Whiteman, whose photography captures the art of seeing in a whole new way.

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

✨ Friday, October 16: Our galleries REOPEN with these exciting new exhibitions!

🥂 Saturday, October 24 | 6–8 PM: Join us for our official opening reception and be among the first to experience these remarkable collections!

We can’t wait to share the finished results with you! From the first hammer swing to the final artwork hung, every detail matters when it comes to creating an inspiring gallery experience. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes glimpses as we get everything ready!

Two artists. Two unique perspectives. One incredible reason to visit SAMA Altoona! ❤️

📍 Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art – Altoona
1210 11th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601

🕛 Museum Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 12–4:30 PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
🎟️ Free admission; donations appreciated.

📞 (814) 946-4464
🌐 www.sama-art.org http://www.sama-art.org

SAMA Altoona will be closed through October 15, as we install the "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVani...
10/07/2026

SAMA Altoona will be closed through October 15, as we install the "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" and "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" exhibitions.

For more than fifty years, George LaVanish has dedicated his career to portraying the beauty, majesty, and quiet spirit of North America's wildlife. His meticulously detailed paintings capture the essence of Pennsylvania's forests, streams, mountains, and fields, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for nature, conservation, and the rich traditions of the outdoors. David Whiteman’s photographic journey has taken him from the landscapes of Centre County to some of the most remarkable places in the world. His work encompasses landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and the distinctive visual moments he encounters during his travels.

Join the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art for the opening of "Echoes of the Wild: The Wildlife Art of George LaVanish" and "The Journey of Seeing: Photographs by David Whiteman" on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per person and includes refreshments and light appetizers.

Registration is encouraged but not required for George LaVanish & David Whiteman Exhibition Celebration at https://www.sama-art.org/event-details/lavanish-whiteman.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you soon!

🎨 What will the next 250 years of American art look like?You can help shape it. Proceeds from Dueling Pianos: Stars, Str...
10/04/2026

🎨 What will the next 250 years of American art look like?

You can help shape it. Proceeds from Dueling Pianos: Stars, Stripes & Art support SAMA’s mission to provide exhibitions, educational opportunities, and meaningful cultural experiences for children, families, adults, and communities throughout the Southern Alleghenies. Whether you attend, sponsor, advertise, donate, or simply spread the word, you are helping keep the arts thriving in our region.

Invest in the next 250 years. Give to SAMA.
Dueling Pianos: sponsor, advertise, donate, attend.

November 6 | 6:30–11p.m. | Scotch Valley Country Club
Tickets & sponsorship opportunities available at https://www.sama-art.org/dueling-pianos

Thank you donors, trustees, staff and speakers for celebrating the preview of the second floor at the museum. SAMA Altoo...
10/03/2026

Thank you donors, trustees, staff and speakers for celebrating the preview of the second floor at the museum. SAMA Altoona is proud to become the new headquarters housing the permanent collection. A fabulous new addition for the 50th Anniversary!

🎄✨ Host Your Holiday Celebration Surrounded by Art! ✨🎄Make this year's holiday gathering unforgettable at the Southern A...
10/03/2026

🎄✨ Host Your Holiday Celebration Surrounded by Art! ✨🎄

Make this year's holiday gathering unforgettable at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art! Whether you're planning a company holiday party, family gathering, club celebration, or intimate reception, SAMA offers a unique venue where beautiful galleries and inspiring artwork create the perfect backdrop for your event.

Our flexible event spaces accommodate up to 120 guests, with affordable rental rates, discounts for SAMA members and nonprofit organizations, and outdoor spaces available at our Bedford and Ligonier locations. Let us help you create a celebration your guests will remember!

🎁 Holiday dates fill quickly—reserve yours today!

$100/hour, 2-hour minimum. Visit https://www.sama-art.org/venues to learn more and inquire about availability.

Happy National Arts and Humanities Month! 🎨✨ This October, we're celebrating the creativity and cultural richness that t...
10/01/2026

Happy National Arts and Humanities Month! 🎨✨ This October, we're celebrating the creativity and cultural richness that the arts bring into our lives. Who is your favorite artist, and how has their work inspired you? Share with us in the comments!

Address

1210 11th Avenue
Altoona, PA
16601

Opening Hours

Wednesday 12pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 4:30pm
Friday 12pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 4:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

(814) 946-4464

Website

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