History and Culture of the Tacoma Art Museum

Located in downtown Tacoma, the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) has long been established as a pillar of the local community. It has a simple mission of connecting people through art, and to engage, educate, and inspire visitors with its superb collections. Showcasing more than 5,000 pieces of art, with traveling exhibitions and various events, there’s a lot to be discovered at the TAM.

History and Culture of the Tacoma Art Museum

The TAM was founded in 1935 by a group of volunteers known as the Tacoma Art Association. The project steadily grew, and in 1964 it was officially named the Tacoma Art Museum. In 2003, the sprawling collection of art was given a new home: a $22 million steel and glass structure providing 50,000 square feet of space. In 2014, an additional 16,000 square feet were added, helping to establish the TAM as one of the most notable art museums in America.

The TAM exists primarily to serve the diverse communities of the North West. As such, the museum has a strong commitment to displaying mostly North-Western art. There is a strong emphasis and acknowledgment of the Puyallup Tribe, a Coast Salish tribe who live close by to the museum. The TAM has been widely praised for its presentation and support of diversity as well as its openness to LGBT+ inspired art.

Collections

The TAM’s huge collection can almost be considered a celebration of local artistic talent. However, though the majority of the art is indeed from the Northwest, it also features various pieces from across the globe.

Dale Chihuly

On permanent public display at the TAM is the premier collection of Tacoma native Dale Chihuly’s glass artwork. Working glass in this way requires mind-boggling skill; this marvelous collection of Chihuly’s work is not to be missed.

Studio Art Jewelry

This dazzling collection of jewelry spans from the post-World War II era to the present, featuring work by Ken Cory, Flora Book, Laurie Hall, and more.

The Haub Family Collection of Western American Art

A generous donation of 295 works of western American art from the Haub Family elevated the TAM to new heights back in 2012, helping it to become one of the leading museums of Western art. This particular collection has a tremendous scope, spanning from 1790 to the present day. It features thought-provoking 19th-century pieces starring Native Americans and cowboys as well as some breathtaking paintings of American landscapes.

Japanese Woodblock Prints

Departing the shores of the North West, the TAM proudly displays a collection of Japanese woodblock prints thanks to two generous donations. This particular genre of art is called ukiyo-e, which means ‘pictures of the floating world.’ Hailing from as early as the 17th century, the various pieces beautifully explore the landscapes, theatre, and city life of Japan.

And Many More…

The TAM also displays over 120 works from the Washington Art Consortium’s Safeco, key holdings of 19th-century European and 20th-century American art, and the Benaroya collection of 225 works.

Beauty, talent, and inspiration are just some of the things you’ll discover at the TAM. It’s a cultural haven and makes for a great day out. While you’re in Tacoma, check out the South Tacoma Honda Dealership and take one of our many excellent Hondas for a test drive.