HOURS:
Mon – Fri, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sat, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sun, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
We observe state holidays, please call for more information.

April through October 2010
Due to upcoming HVAC construction, the South Dakota Art Museum will close certain galleries. Our unique Museum Store will remain open during regular Museum hours. Check our website for updates.

Mission:
As steward of the state's art treasures, the South Dakota Art Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits visual art to increase access and appreciation for the people of South Dakota.

History:
The South Dakota Art Museum originated through the resolve and enterprise of the people of South Dakota. The plan for an art center in South Dakota originated in 1947. Under the guidance of the South Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs, a resolution was brought forward to erect a building to be known as the South Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs Memorial Art Center at their state convention in 1955. In April, 1955, Brookings was selected for the Art Center’s development and the South Dakota Board of Regents approved the placement of the South Dakota Memorial Art Center on the campus of South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University (SDSU) in June. Construction of the $600,000 museum facility began in 1969 and the building was dedicated in 1970, more than 20 years after the original plan was formulated.

In 1976, the American Association of Museums (AAM) recognized the excellence of the South Dakota Memorial Art Center when it became the first museum of any kind to gain accreditation in South Dakota. The expanded scope of the Center’s programming and collections was acknowledged in 1987 when it was renamed the South Dakota Art Museum (SDAM) by the state’s Board of Regents.

In 1995, the Museum set out to raise $1.9 million for an 8500 square foot addition and renovation of the existing building. A new state-of-the-art facility opened in December 2000 after only 1.5 years - using entirely private funding.