The Butler Institute of American Art

Some of the country’s most renowned works of art are on display right here in Youngstown, Ohio! With its distinguished history, and more than a century dedicated to preserving our nation’s cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that The Butler Institute of American Art is known far and wide as “America’s Museum.”

Founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr., The Butler Institute of American Art is the country’s first museum devoted entirely to American art. The Butler collects and preserves works in all media and takes visitors on a journey through its premier art collection spanning 300 years in American history.

History of Youngstown’s Art Museum

The Butler Institute of American Art – a nonprofit organization – is free to the public, as it has been since the doors opened. More than 100,000 people visit the museum each year, and paintings from its collection have been loaned to museums throughout the world.

Housed at The Butler are more than 22,000 individual works in all media, spanning three centuries (starting with the 1719 Portrait of Catherine Ten Broeck by Nehemiah Partridge).

Not to be outdone by the artwork inside, the building itself is also a masterpiece. Constructed of Georgian marble with an Italianate architectural style, the exterior of the building is characterized by its ornate detail, rounded arch entryway and symmetrical design. The original museum structure was designed by McKim, Mead and White (who also constructed Madison Square Gardens in New York) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Permanent Collections at The Butler

Some works of art are beyond comparison, covering a variety of interpretations as to what American life looked like over the centuries. Several pieces of this caliber call The Butler’s permanent collection home.

Winslow Homer’s 19th Century Creation

Snap the Whip by Winslow Homer captures the essence of childhood fun – playing outside! This oil painting depicts a small red schoolhouse in the background, against mountains painted with meticulous precision.

This particular piece has been on display in Youngstown’s Butler Institute since the museum’s inaugural year and is an integral part of The Butler’s collection.

Standing Proud with Norman Rockwell

In 2007, The Butler purchased its first Norman Rockwell painting – Lincoln the Railsplitter. This nearly life-sized painting depicts “honest” Abe Lincoln as a young, ready-to-work surveyor with an ax in one hand and a book in the other.

This oil painting was completed by the famed painter in 1964 and was created to inspire appreciation for the power of education.

Leslie Offers A Glimpse of Youngstown’s History

Housed in The Butler is a larger-than-life painting by abstract expressionist Alfred Leslie called Americans: Youngstown, Ohio.

The piece was inspired by Sept. 19, 1977 (known as Black Monday) in Youngstown – Americans: Youngstown, Ohio captures the fear of the future after thousands were laid off from Youngstown Sheet & Tube, the main employer in the city.

Historical, Permanent Fixtures

Not every masterpiece in The Butler is larger-than-life, but they do have their space in helping to tell America’s story.

Other famous painters who have their creations adorning The Butler’s walls include:

• Albert Bierstadt, The Oregon Trail


• John Singer Sargent, Mrs. Arthur Knowles and her Two Sons


• Gari Melchers, My Garden


• Edward Hopper, Pennsylvania Coal Town

Dr. Louis Zona, executive director of The Butler Institute of American Art put it best, “To walk through the galleries is to walk through American history.”

Passing Through: The Butler’s Temporary Exhibits

There are a variety of temporary exhibits spanning various genres at this iconic Youngstown art museum, and The Butler is constantly bringing in new works – so there is always something new to see! In fact, most visitors leave The Butler in awe of its expansiveness and the effort put into making sure new exhibits are regularly available.

Some of the most famous names of celebrity artists who had their works temporarily displayed at The Butler include musician John Mellencamp, American graphic artist Jim Steranko, legendary jazz and traditional pop singer Tony Bennett, former Cleveland Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel, actress Kim Novak and KISS co-founder and lead singer Paul Stanley.

The Butler’s Galleries

The Butler’s Beecher Center is the first museum addition dedicated solely to new media and electronic art. The facility regularly displays works of art that utilize computers, holography, lasers and other digital media.

The Bitonte Skywalk was built to connect the museum to the Butler North Education Center, the neighboring church structure where the Americana Collection is housed, art classes and programs are held and performances are hosted.

The newest addition, the Vincent & Phyllis Bacon Wing, includes strikingly beautiful exhibition galleries that enable The Butler to exhibit seldom seen works in an impressive space. The gallery also makes possible the permanent display of Pierre Soulages’ 14’ x 20’ ceramic mural titled 14 May, 1968.

Renowned Art Calls Youngstown “Home”

You don’t have to go to Cleveland or other large cities to see beautiful, classic American art – you can spend the day at The Butler on Wick Avenue right here in Youngstown!

During your visit, stop by the museum’s Fine Art Sales Gallery to take home artwork created by talented local artists or browse The Butler’s gift shop.

Visit The Butler Institute of American Art’s website at butlerart.com for specific information on exhibits and hours.