Plains Art Museum

The Plains Art Museum, located in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, is the state’s largest and only accredited art museum. It is housed in a beautifully renovated 1904 International Harvester warehouse, blending industrial architecture with contemporary design. The museum features three climate-controlled galleries, a collections care facility, and an interactive art lounge, offering a welcoming space for both casual visitors and serious art enthusiasts.

The museum holds a permanent collection of over 4,000 works, with a strong emphasis on regional contemporary artists, traditional Native American art, and American folk art. In addition to its permanent holdings, the museum curates around a dozen special exhibitions each year, providing dynamic and ever-changing displays that keep the experience fresh and engaging for returning guests.
Education and community involvement are central to the museum’s mission. The Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity, a major expansion of the museum, offers 25,500 square feet of studios and learning spaces dedicated to art classes, workshops, and youth programs. Through this center and various outreach initiatives, the museum fosters creative expression and lifelong learning.

The Plains Art Museum also offers free admission, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and public service. It hosts programs that link art with wellness, education, and social issuesâ€'such as the Convergence Expo and book-based discussions that explore the role of art in community life. With its diverse exhibitions and inclusive programming, the museum serves as a cultural hub for the region.