Arts – Sample our Cultural Side
From black tie to cowboy boots, Mozart to Russell, Great Falls is brimming with arts and artists, offering a lively mix of cultural events. Whether you prefer a symphony of a vintage Saber jet, you'll find it!

2004 © GF Museum Consortium

Perhaps no artist more clearly and lovingly captured the spirit of the Old West than America 's “Cowboy artist” Charlie Russell. His oil paintings, watercolors, bronzes and sketches offer a personal view of Montana life at the turn of the century and the newly expanded C.M. Russell Museum Complex has the most complete collection of his works, letters and personal objects you will find. Be sure to tour the original Log Studio, built in 1903 and where Russell not only entertained friends with his lively stories and campfire cooking but completed most of his works in. The Russell Home , located right next door to the Studio, is also a National Historic Landmark. The Museum is located at 400-13 th Street North , 727-8787.

Some museums ask their visitors not to touch the exhibits. But every exhibit at the Children's Museum of Montana is meant to be touched and experimented with. Fun Learning is what the Children's Museum of Montana is all about. The exhibits and activities are designed for children ages 4 months to 12 years and their caregivers to explore.

Exhibits include "The Big Dig" where visitors can become a Paleontologist and dig up dinosaur bones, "The Amazing Magnet Maze" is a place to explore the science of magnetics, "Anika's Closet" is a world of dress up and make-believe, and the "Exploration Station" is specifically designed for children 4 months to 4 years of age.

Fun, educational, hands-on exhibits are held throughout the year. Every Saturday during the school year and each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the summer from 1-4 pm we hold "Sampler Activities" in "Isaak's Imaginarium." These self-guided hands-on activities explore the topics of science, math, history and culture through weekly themes.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:30-5:00 . The Museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission cost is $2.50 for all children and adults 2 years of age and older. Admission is free for children under 2 and members. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver 15 years of age or older.

The Museum also offers memberships, fieldtrips, a Scholarship program, a Summer Science Camp, and Birthday Party Packages. CMOM is located at 22 Railroad Square , in the northwest corner of the Civic Center parking lot, 452-6661.

Galerie Trinitas & Chapel houses a collection of art by Sister Mary Morin Trinitas, head of the Art Department at the then College of Great Falls from 1933 to 1965. Her work includes stained-glass windows in the Chapel and a collection depicting her versatility in various mediums. The Galerie also sponsors art shows featuring area artists and students during the year. Located on the University of Great Falls campus at 1301-20 th Street South , 791-5292.

Photo Courtesy of Art Taft © 2004

In 1896, the city of Great Falls dedicated its first high school. That same building known today as Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art is the community's premier cultural center and nationally registered landmark. The Square features a unique and ever-changing mix of contemporary art, focusing on the cultural diversity of the Northwest, in newly renovated galleries. Tours, special speakers and educational workshops for all ages are offered year round. And don't forget the culinary masterpieces one can find in the Bistro! Located at 1400 First Avenue North , 727-8255.

For a glimpse of a more modern part of the area's history, head to the Malmstrom Air Force Base Museum, where you will find an extensive selection of refurbished aircraft and missiles on loan from the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB; military displays and dioramas are part of the permanent display. Located at the east end of the 2 nd Avenue North right behind the main gate, 731-2705.

The arts take center stage at the Great Falls Civic Center located in the heart of downtown this facility offers a year-round schedule of community and symphonic concerts, national theater touring company performances, ballet and more. The Civic Center is located at the west end of Central Avenue , 454-0157.

Civic Center Events - a division of the City of Great Falls – is located at the heart of downtown in a building designated a national historic landmark, the Great Falls Civic Center serves as a venue for cultural, social and entertainment events in this region -- from trade shows and dances to concerts, theatrical productions and more. The Civic Center is also home to the fabulous Great Falls Symphony, which consists of a full-sized orchestra, symphonic choir and regional youth orchestra as well as two professional resident ensembles, the Cascade Quartet and Chinook Winds. For more information about the Great Falls Symphony call 453-4102.

Since inception in 1992, the Events Office has taken a leadership role by contributing to the quality of life in Great Falls through sponsorship, encouragement and providing a venue for the arts. In 2002, to honor the late Senator Mike Mansfield, the Great Falls City Commission renamed the Civic Center 's two major venues, the Theater and the Convention Center, the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts.

The Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts is an ideal venue for performances demonstrated by its adaptability; demographics -- centrally located in Montana , close proximity to Canada and accessible by an International Airport -- and; because of the amenities offered by nearby restaurants, shops and hotels. The appeal of the location is enhanced by professional services such as box office ticketing, marketing, security, house management and technology.

Look no further for meeting rooms. The Civic Center offers a variety of spaces in various sizes and price ranges. Complimentary services when renting the facility include event planning and labor. Add to those, features such as linen service and audio visual equipment for nominal fees.

Visit the Events Office ( and calendar of events ) on-line at the City of Great Falls ' website www.ci.great-falls.mt.us and click on activities. Contact 455-8510 information on room rentals, holding a performance in the theater, ticketing services or general information.

The Great Falls Public Library, located at 301 2 nd Avenue North , offers a venue for many wonderful activities and events including story hours, lectures, art exhibitions, and special performances. Oh yeah, did we mention the mounds of enjoyable books available to take home and leisurely read? Don't miss the opportunity to check out what is happening at the Library, call 453-0349 for the latest details.