Akron Art Museum 🇺🇸

Discover the Akron Art Museum in Akron, Ohio, a remarkable institution featuring 20,000 square feet of gallery space dedicated to art produced since 1850. First opened in 1922 in public library basement rooms, the museum has grown into a striking downtown landmark. When you visit, you will experience a unique blend of architectural styles, connecting a 1899 Italian Renaissance revival building with the 63,000-square-foot John S. and James L.

Knight Building designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au. On the first floor of the historic building, you can admire Western art from 1850 to 1950, including American impressionism, regionalism in northeast Ohio, turn-of-the-century realism, and a room dedicated to local artist William Sommer. Transitioning into the Knight Building, you will explore modern and contemporary styles from 1950 to now across eight rooms, featuring postmodern painting, photorealism, and Pop Art.

Must-see pieces include Andy Warhol’s Single Elvis and Brillo Boxes, Chuck Close’s early oversize painting Linda, Elijah Pierce’s wood carving, and Elliot Torrey’s Surf, the museum’s very first acquired work from 1923. You can also view visiting shows from national collections, major temporary exhibitions, and intimate displays of emerging artists on the upper levels.

What to see at Akron Art Museum

• Historic 1899 Italian Renaissance Revival building paired with the modern Knight Building
• Pop Art classics including Andy Warhol's Single Elvis and Brillo Boxes alongside Chuck Close's Linda
• Dedicated galleries showcasing American impressionism, modernism, and northeast Ohio regional art
• The striking 327-foot cantilevered Roof Cloud structure and three-story glass Crystal lobby

Visiting tips

Head to the second floor of the Knight Building during your visit to check out major temporary exhibitions and intimate community art displays.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Akron Art Museum is easy to reach on Akron’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Akron travel guide.