Located in downtown Billings, Montana, the Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) stands as the state's largest contemporary art museum. Uniquely housed in the former Yellowstone County Jail—a historic red brick structure dating back to 1884—this dynamic institution presents a fresh perspective beyond traditional Western genre art.
When you visit, you will explore a permanent collection of over 7,400 historic and regional contemporary works, highlighted by the renowned "Montana Collection." Discover pieces by celebrated artists like Deborah Butterfield, Rudy Autio, and John Buck, along with the Virginia Snook Collection of Will James' cowboy art, the Isabelle Johnson estate, and the Poindexter Collection of New York Abstract Expressionism. The museum also showcases minimalist and conceptual pieces from the Herbert and Dorothy Vogel collection, alongside temporary national and international exhibitions.
Don't miss the innovative Visible Vault, a publicly accessible storage facility that lets you view the entire permanent collection up close alongside an active artist-in-residence studio. After taking in the galleries, stop by the Young Artists' Gallery or enjoy satisfying fare at Raven's Café d'Art.
What to see at Yellowstone Art Museum
- Housed in the historic 1884 Yellowstone County Jail building in downtown Billings
- Exhibits over 7,400 works, including New York Abstract Expressionism and regional art
- Features the innovative Visible Vault, putting entire collection storage on public view
- Houses the Virginia Snook Collection of cowboy writer and illustrator Will James
- Offers dining on-site at Raven's Café d'Art and art by youth in the Young Artists' Gallery
Visiting tips
Be sure to stop by the Young Artists' Gallery, which is housed in a large space that is completely free to the public at all times.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Yellowstone Art Museum is easy to reach on Billings’s public transport, and pairs naturally with ZooMontana and St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Billings travel guide.
See the full Billings travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.