Tyler Museum of Art

This was a really nice small art museum!! I enjoyed looking at all the paintings. I believe the lady at the front desk said the exhibit changes every 30 days. It is worth the time to go visit!!

They were charging full admission but only had one of the two rooms open for viewing. Not worth the admission. If both rooms were open then it would be fine.

Good little museum on the TJC campus. We came bc of a college art requirement (kilgore). 2 different exhibits on, one for h.s. art and then Warhol and Liechtenstein.

Loved ... the location....physical contemporary architecture... variety of Artistic displays... amiable staff... spacious layout... timely, relevant events information... useful take-home book purchases!!!

If you think art museums are just quiet halls filled with snooty people nodding at paintings, think again. The Tyler Museum of Art is where culture collides with chaos, and I found myself in the middle of what can only be described as a Michelangelo-meets-action-movie fever dream. It all started when I innocently walked in, expecting a relaxing afternoon of refined appreciation for local and international masterpieces. The first few exhibits were breathtaking—paintings so detailed they looked like they could whisper their secrets to you if you stared long enough. But then, everything took a turn. A tour guide was explaining a massive abstract piece called The Emotional Hurricane when suddenly, an elderly woman gasped and clutched her pearls. “That’s it!” she cried. “That’s the exact shade of blue my late husband’s Buick was!” The sheer emotional weight of the moment caused a chain reaction—someone else started crying, another person dramatically fell to their knees, and within minutes, the entire gallery was in an art-induced frenzy. Meanwhile, in another room, a group of students on a field trip had somehow convinced themselves that a particularly well-painted fruit still life was actually a portal to another dimension. They took turns waving their hands in front of it, waiting for their fingers to get sucked into the void. The docent tried to explain that it was just really good shading, but they weren’t having it. The climax of my visit happened near the sculpture exhibit, where a man in a cowboy hat became so overcome with artistic passion that he attempted to hug a marble bust of a 19th-century businessman. Security intervened just in time, but not before he shouted, “This statue understands me!” before being gently escorted outside. By the time I left, I had experienced every human emotion possible—joy, awe, confusion, and the undeniable urge to paint something even though I have the artistic talent of a soggy napkin. Final verdict? The Tyler Museum of Art isn’t just a museum—it’s a thrilling, unpredictable, emotion-powered rollercoaster wrapped in an elegant, well-lit package. You might go for the paintings, but you’ll stay for the art-inspired meltdowns and reality-bending fruit bowls.

My family loves this museum. We come every month for the family art day. They have 2 different exhibits that change pretty regularly. You can take photos unless stated otherwise. Also don't be fooled like me, this isn't part of TJC, it is it's own thing that just happens to be by TJC. I always thought it was a TJC thing up until a couple years ago.

The museum has a variety of artworks and has limited exhibits and gift shop. Your time will be well spent in viewing and learning about select art periods and pieces.

It was air conditioned! They had closed most of it off but only told us that once we paid our admission in. They only had one room available for us to look at but it was Andy Warhol and Liechtenstein.

So what do Norman Rockwell, collage genius Lance Letscher and the Illuminated Bible have in common? They were all on exhibit at the little ol' TMA. (Forgive the terrible intro...) Admittedly, as an art teacher and painter, I am always in support of museums, no matter how dinky, in small towns. But the TMA is a great space and hosts some fantastic exhibits each year. It's tucked away on the Tyler Junior College campus, and its nondescript exterior hides a lovely cafe area, three ample gallery spaces and a cute patio area with fountain and outdoor sculptures. It's never expensive and hosts several fun events throughout the year. Best of all, somehow the TMA manages to get their hands on some truly stellar pieces... the collection of art books by Letscher a couple years ago was one of the best I've seen (take it from a former Dallas- and Paris-resident). I wish their website were more information and interactive and that they were more visible in the community, but the TMA is without a doubt one of the hidden jewels of Tyler. And when you're done there, wander across the street to the TJC art department to see their rotating exhibits..

Tooooo small for the amount that you pay. It should be free. Not that Im against paying to see a good museum, it just wasn't THAT good. Get it together, Tyler... Ain't nobody got time for this.

This property is standing on what once was a mansion, with a creek, and the first Catholic Church that once stood where the parking lot is (behind the Discovery building). I always pass by this property on foot daily, thinking of the Cains who lived in the mansion before it was demolished.

It's a decent art museum. Friendly staff and some nice pieces.

Visited this museum for the first time on Tuesday, and it was a little better than I expected. It was no SAM (Seattle Art Museum) but I was surprised that there was actual art there. there are three exhibits at the moment. doll house shadow boxes... which was boring after about the third box. yes, very small furniture, amazing... but a whole exhibit? next was the "into the wild" or some such title... art by animals at the Tyler zoo... again, interesting but art? by no means. last I visited the Jewish Art exhibit, which was amazing. Many powerful pieces. I was especially blown away by "Desecration of the Four Freedoms" by Herb Fichter. Done in 1951, this etching looked like it was inspired by world events today. the museum was empty except for one couple and their child. child was bored and making too much noise, father was bored and pacing around like a caged animal (philistine), and mother was trying to view things as fast a possible. worth a view, the Jewish art is on loan till August 10th

Thank you TMA for bringing in the Ansel Adams early works photography exhibit. More specifically, thank you immensely for hosting a free lecture this past Sunday with our very own local expert, Mr. Robert Langham, a Tyler Native and acclaimed Artist, photographer, author and professor, who actually was privileged to participate in two internships under Ansel Adams in Langham's earlier career and who shared many personal stories , anecdotes and insights into the life and works of Adams. I have to giggle when I hear so many Tylerites complain that they are bored with this little community..... That There's nothing to do.... Waaaa... Waaaa! Get out of your comfort zone, turn off the football games and research the cultural opportunities here. This presentation was free and they even served refreshments, so NOT necessary, but such a kind expression of fine Southern hospitality.... Thank you again TMA! It was way beyond my expectations!