About the Trout Museum of Art

The Trout Museum of Art is currently undergoing an exciting transformation! While our downtown Appleton location is temporarily closed, we are hard at work preparing to open our new home at 325 E College Ave on October 11, 2025.

During this transition, we remain committed to our mission of inspiring and connecting people through creative experiences and the visual arts. Select programs are still happening offsite this summer, including Art at the Park, Spray Camp, SPARK! Memory Workshop, and Fare-Well: Art & Death Cafe programs.

Our new facility will allow us to expand our exhibitions, educational programs, and community events in meaningful ways. We look forward to welcoming you into a reimagined space where art is for everyone. Stay connected and be part of this exciting journey as we build the future of art in the Fox Cities.

Read our 2023 Annual Impact Report
Magazine Archive: Look back at the programs that shaped the Trout Museum of Art as we prepare for what’s next.

Magazine Spring 2025
Magazine Winter 2025
Magazine Summer 2024
Magazine Winter 2024
Magazine Winter 2023

Mission

Trout Museum of Art inspires and connects all people through creative experiences and the visual arts.

Claire Erickson, Art is Her 2023

Vision

We envision a state-of-the-art museum that serves as a vibrant center of connection, where people come together to experience the power of art.

Values

Inclusive. Creative. Authentic.

The Trout Museum of Art is a proud founding member of Wisconsin Art Destinations, a collective of 16 museums across the state.

Travel beyond your horizon with a visit to one (or two, or three!) of these vibrant Wisconsin art destinations. Learn more at: wisconsinartdestinations.com.

FAQ

In the 1960s, the Appleton Artists Guild set out to provide educational opportunities for local artists, create a suitable viewing gallery, and amass a permanent collection. Sharing and critiquing artwork and technique were the first activities pursued by the guild. We established our first gallery on Morrison Street in 1977 as the Appleton Gallery of Art, and moved to our current location on College Avenue as the Appleton Art Center in 2002.

In 2010, Dr. Monroe E. and Sandra Trout gifted their art collection to the Appleton Art Center, along with a $1 million endowment to preserve, protect, and promote the collection. It was at this time our name was changed to the Trout Museum of Art.

No, the museum does not appraise or authenticate works of art. However, a list of established appraisers in the Midwest may be obtained by emailing collections@wisconsinart.org. The following organizations may also assist you:

Art Dealers Association of America
American Society of Appraisers
Appraisers Association of America

The museum is not adding to its permanent collection at this time.

The best way to get your name in front of the museum is to apply for our annual TMA Contemporary exhibition. This is one way we learn about new artists! Applications open every December 1st.

If you are an artist with a full exhibition proposal, you may email info@troutmuseumart.org. Details and quality images are required for full consideration. Due to the volume of correspondence we receive, we may not be able to respond directly to each and every submission, but will reach out if interested.