We’re kicking off the weekend with a Member Preview on Friday, October 10, from 5–8 PM. Become a member and be among the very first to explore our new space before it opens to the public.

Then, on Saturday, October 11, join us for the official Grand Opening—a full day of celebration and community. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or simply curious about the new space, there’s something for everyone.

Beyond exploring the building, here’s what to look forward to on October 11 (9 AM – 5 PM):

• The unveiling of our inaugural exhibitions!
• Family-friendly art activities and hands-on stations
• Coffee and treats at the new Museum Drinkery
• Shopping at the newly expanded Museum Store
• Guided tours of the building with museum docents

Admission will be free, so bring your friends, family, and curiosity. Celebrate this milestone with us and explore the new heart of art in Downtown Appleton.

We’re excited to announce that exhibition admission to our brand-new museum will be completely free for the first year, thanks to The Boldt Company. This unparalleled opportunity invites individuals and families to experience the world of art without financial barriers. This initiative aims to spark curiosity and engagement as we unveil our new facility, allowing visitors to return throughout the first year to explore rotating exhibitions and events or simply enjoy the artistic atmosphere.

This opportunity is the result of a long-time relationship between the Trout Museum of Art and The Boldt Company, who is also constructing the new museum. “We’re proud to be part of this new chapter in Appleton’s cultural landscape,” said Tom Boldt, Chairman of The Boldt Group. “Art enriches our community, and we believe in its power to connect people, spark new ideas, and inspire creativity. By supporting the Trout Museum of Art’s vision, we hope to foster more cultural opportunities for our community.”

Work continues across all fronts!⁠ Fabrication has begun on our new exterior signage, and we’re thrilled to move from limited branding to beautifully designed signs that reflect our future identity.

Inside the building, The Boldt Company is making remarkable progress as winter construction continues. We’re thrilled to share that we have walls now! The space is beginning to feel like a museum at last, with drywall installation well underway. Hallways, galleries, classrooms, and gathering spaces are all starting to take shape—turning architectural drawings and years of planning into real, physical spaces.

You may have noticed some rapid updates in October on the construction of the new Trout Museum of Art and Lawrence facility in Appleton Downtown!

Boldt installed 46 modular units, each approximately 72 feet long by 13 feet wide, to form the top two floors of the building in just seven days. These units were made out-of-state and connected and stacked to create a fully-constructed apartment building. The use of the modular unit system helped Boldt expedite the overall project timeline.

Construction begins! Led by The Boldt Company, crews began site preparation and foundation work as the first step in building our 30,000-square-foot museum. The new space will feature expansive galleries, collaborative studio classrooms, a museum store, drinkery, and welcoming public areas that reflect the vibrancy and creativity of our community. After years of dreaming, planning, and listening to our community, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this vision come to life—concrete, steel, and all.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on March 7, 2024 for the new building, marking a pivotal moment in a partnership that will provide a new home for the Trout Museum of Art, provide innovative new academic spaces for Lawrence University, and foster exciting opportunities for collaboration.

Leaders from Lawrence, the museum, and the City of Appleton addressed more than 200 people gathered on the site where the four-story building will rise. They spoke to the ways this project will bolster the futures of the university, the nonprofit art museum, downtown Appleton, and the greater Fox Valley region.

Recognizing the need for growth, the Trout Museum of Art’s staff and Board of Directors began actively searching for a new location in 2022. The Trout Museum of Art announced a partnership with Lawrence University to develop a new building featuring over 100,000 square feet of space across four floors. The ground floor will house the state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot Trout Museum of Art.

Situated at the corner of College Avenue and Drew Street, on the western edge of the Lawrence campus, the building will be jointly owned by the Trout Museum of Art and Lawrence University, with each entity maintaining sole ownership of its designated areas. The new property combines a vacant lot and office buildings owned by the university, along with a section purchased by the museum through an anonymous donor.