Last updated: 2/17/2022
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Address
920 3rd Avenue SouthFort Dodge, IA 50501
phone: 515-573-2316 x8101
e-mail: blandenmemorial@gmail.com
web: www.blanden.org

Hours

Temporary Hours (COVID-19)
As of 2/16/22 current hours are:
Tuesday - Saturday
11 AM - 5 PM
Sunday - Monday
closed
Closed on Holidays

Admissions

Free will donations are accepted.

Group and school tours are available. Please call to arrange guided tours.

Free. Donations Accepted.

Staff

Eric Andrson
phone: 515-573-2316 x8107
Meg Beshey
phone: 515-573-2316
Description

The neoclassical building, which is on the national Register of Historic Places, is located in the interesting Oak Hill District of Fort Dodge. Along with with beauty and historical significance of the museum, the Blanden maintains a high standard of exhibition quality and dynamic spirit of community outreach in the visual arts. The museum is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to engage the community and foster creativity.

Mission

The mission of the Blanden Art Museum and the Blanden Charitable Foundation is to strive to inspire and nurture education in and appreciation of the visual arts through the permanent collection, innovation exhibitions and programming.

History

In 1930, the Fort Dodge Federation of the Arts represented by Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Oleson traveled to San Diego with the intent of talking to Charles Blanden about their plans for an art museum. Blanden was a former former City of Fort Dodge Mayor in the late 1880's, who had a successful business career and retired to San Diego, with his wife, Elizabeth, a former Fort Dodge School teacher. Elizabeth died in 1929.

Charles had two viable choices: building an art museum in San Diego dedicated to his wife's memory or in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He chose Fort Dodge, giving $35,000 to build the museum in a classic architectural style. The Blanden was designed by architect E.O. Damon Jr. of Fort Dodge after the neo-classical design of the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. Charles Blanden, who died in 1933, also bequeathed his collection of art to the museum.

The museum site land was donated by Mrs. Ringland the heir of Woolsey Wells, a pioneer settler of Fort Dodge, and maternal grandmother of Ann Smeltzer. The Blanden is located in the hart of the Oak Hill Historic District near the center of Fort Dodge. The Blanden Memorial Art Museum opened its doors on June 5th, 1932 as Iowa's first municipal art facility.

Artifact Collections

The Blanden's permanent collection is recognized for its superb holdings of modern American and European paintings, African Sculptures, and the 16th - 20th century American, European, and Japanese prints. Due limited museum space, permanent collection pieces are rotated every few months for public viewing.

Educational Programs

Art classes for children and adult workshops are taught by the museum educator or a guest instructor. Credit option may apply on adult workshops depending on the instructor and class. Visiting opening receptions for visiting artist exhibits,and lectures occur throughout the year. Docent and volunteer programs are available. Educator guides and other information on current exhibits are provided. Fees and other cost involving borrowing educational materials are handled on a case by case basis depending on the request.

Facilities

Galleries include the Main foyer, East Gallery, West Gallery and a Second floor gallery which is accessible by stairs or elevator.

Library
Access: Staff Only
Appointment required: Yes
Publications

Our museum magazine the "Newsletter" is published quarterly and can be found on several websites besides our website www.blanden.org

Newsletter Magazine
fortdodgepublicart.org
fdfineartsassociation.org
Services

Gift shop items such as exhibition catalogs may be purchase by mail with payment method of check or money order. For list of current catalogs visit the Blanden website.

Did you know?

•90% of our One~of~A~Kind gift shop sales go to the artist and 10% to the museum’s Art Education Fund.

•Museum members receive a discount on many gift shop purchases.

Gift Shop
Group Tours
ADA

Handicapped Accessible through the west door off the alley; take the elevator, press Floor #1. Handicap parking is also available.

Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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