Memorial Art Gallery

3.5ish.
Check out Brown Hound Bistro! Towards the right back corner when you first walk in. Delicious baked goods and drinks. Owner is really nice, friendly, and his wife makes the desserts. (& that’s not an innuendo.)
As for the museum itself, there are two floors. I’m not much of an art history buff but its nice to have something like this in Rochester. Nothing comparable to bigger museums in larger cities, but again, nice to have a place like this in our small city. Recently read something that said «Rochester brings together small-​town charm with world-​class culture.» The MAG fits right into that description. They apparently have a variety of other events here which I hope to come back for. It’s a lovely space.

Always loved this museum. The gallery often has a lot of interesting exhibits visit throughout the years. U of R students get in for free. They also have several Saturday’s throughout the year sponsored by the City of Rochester which are free and open to the public. Check their website for specific dates on when everyone is free. I love that MAG brings a variety of visiting exhibits which I think adds much needed aspect. Their permanent collections are nice and rotate occasionally over the years also. Beautiful atrium which is probably one of my favorite places in all of Rochester. They also offer several art classes and cultural events. Excellent Rochester staple.

Well, well… I’ve been here a few times to check out this small but well curated museum. They have all sorts of events here for adults, kids and etc. The few headlining shows I’ve been to have been pretty good. For the size of our fair city this is a lovely museum they have «known artists» you do know who Rembrandt is correct? Yup got it. Also other well known classic and modern artists. They have a gift shop small but just enough things to peruse and a great social media presence. We all went to Valentines Schmalentines on 2−12−16 it was a whole lotta fun. Go check this gem out, they have parking and it’s a lovely building. Enjoy.

It’s amazing how beautiful the set up is for all the art work. The organ sounded exquisite while watching a silent movie! Bravo on a Halloween party well done!

The Memorial Art Gallery is a wonderful gem in the Rochester area. Last fall was the first time I had visited in many years, and I was surprised by how large the gallery is! There’s so much to see, and the spaces and the art are both lovely. I visited with my office this past summer and for a Unilocal event this fall, and have not been disappointed in any of my experiences with the MAG. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly; everyone is eager to share their love of art and history.
Definitely worth revisiting to see the gallery as it changes over time! The staff clearly works hard to curate a wonderful space and experience for all visitors.

The MAG is one of the establishments that makes Rochester such a special place to visit. I have been coming here since I was a kid in elementary school, going on field trips with my class.
A lot of pieces have remained classics on the wall year after year, and I took comfort in knowing that they would be there. Recently, the MAG has made a lot of changes and renovations, giving it a face lift. I like walking around, seeing it with a fresh look, with new pieces.
If you are a college student, you can get a discounted admission. Thursday nights are half-​price admission from 5−9pm, with tapas and wine in the pavilion area. The pavilion/​foyer is beautiful with a fountain, and sculpture pieces. Typically, the MAG has musicians playing for the Tapas night too.
The tapas are not really tapas in my option, They are too large of portions to be actual tapas. They are all very gourmet, but they are served cold/​at room temperature.
The MAG holds lots of events, and serves as an education center. SOmetimes you will come in and see students sketching, and taking art classes. The clothesline festival occurs every September, and they have live music in the garden.
All in all, the MAG is a must visit if you are from out of town, or need something to do on a rainy day.

I’m not normally much of a art lover, but I live close enough to walk and my girlfriend wanted to go. We went on a Thursday night and were surprised to be let in for free. There was an entire hall that was full of empty, white walls, and that wasn’t fun, but it’s nice to know that a new exhibit is coming in and I have something to look forward to in a future visit. If you like art, or you just want a quiet activity to do in Rochester, check out the Memorial Art Gallery.

On and off over the years we have been members of the MAG so we usually go to their opening party for new exhibits. These events used to be super popular but have unfortunately been less well attended — not sure why (unless there is some blockbuster exhibit, but that has not happened in awhile). They do a good job of bringing in a wide range of exhibits and thus there should be a show that strikes a chord with you.
Since we tend to just go to see the new exhibit it has been awhile since we toured the whole place but for a small museum it is quite nice and a real gem to have in our community. Also the ballroom space is great for other events — I think we’ve been to a wedding or two here. And of course their Clothesline Art Festival in September is the best art show in town with real art, not junkie «arts and crafts» like other so-​called summer art festivals in town…

I am such a huge fan of The MAG.
I remember being a very small child and taking an elementary school tour here. They had just received all the awesome things in the Egyptian exhibit and it was a big deal. I was awestruck at how big and gorgeous the gallery (though it’s really more of a museum) was, and to this day, I still am!
I always tell people that The MAG is one of the few places in Rochester I actually feel like I belong in. The décor is beautiful and when you walk in through the main doors, you’re greeted by a beautiful main room, complete with fountains and beautiful, natural sunlight.
Everywhere you go, regardless if you’re in the actual gallery, gift shop, creative workshop, or wandering around, there will be art for your viewing pleasure.
I frequently stop by when I am feeling like I need some quiet time to wind down, be with my thoughts, or since taking a drawing class at the Creative Workshop, draw! The entire building is quiet, peaceful, relaxing, and well taken care of. If you go downstairs to the Creative Workshop, they have exhibits featuring work from the people taking one of the many classes they offer. They also have many exhibits within the gallery that change, so keep your eyes open for new things!
If you choose to take a class there, I highly recommend any class with Gina. She was brilliant as a teacher, and so very kind. I thoroughly enjoyed my class time with her. The class prices are beyond reasonable, and just plain fun.
Overall, The MAG is a wonderful place and I always look forward to my next visit. Be sure to check everything out and enjoy yourself while you’re there! Take time to read the information plates next to paintings and sculptures, there are a lot of Rochester artists featured here with very interesting stories!

The Memorial Art Gallery is a small art museum, but it has a good selection of artwork. They also have great guests, and provide space for special events and art classes.
I recommend a visit, it’s also a great place for a date since you’re inside (in Rochester this is a plus) and you can have a conversation.
Parking is usually available, and the new redesign makes it a great place to walk around on a warm day (when they happen)
Going on Thursdays is especially nice, since they have a mini happy hour, with wine, beer, and snacks. Plus discounted tickets to see the artwork.

This is one of the most amazingly laid out museums from around the world. You can literally spend an entire day here exploring. Check out there calender of events online, which always have something going on. Every other Thursday is Movie Night at the museum, where you can also explore the museum till 9 PM. If you have your college ID, they give you a discount on admission. Every Sunday around 1 PM the organ player is upstairs in the Grand Fountain Court, and he sounds amazing as you explore the upstairs exhibits. The museum hosts a variety of high profile events like Devour Rochester, a food and wine culinary classic. The museum itself is broken up into a variety of sections, all which we will explore.
Art’s of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas: This is where you get the opportunity to see some old world art like ancient surfboards from Oceania to the HUGE ancient Mayan Tablet!
Seeing America: this exhibit goes through the entire progressive movement of American art. You can see the civil war sculptures of Abraham Lincoln, to a rocking chair from 1812. Then it will take you through the era of American Realism, to American Abstraction (the art that you get to figure out, like a giant puzzle).
Focus on Rochester: this is where you get to see some amazing art work history from the era of Rochester. You will find that Rochester is home to many famous artists, and helped pave the way for the future of art everywhere.
Modern Day Art: This is where you will find art of the modern world, laid out nicely with huge paintings/​and interactive exhibits.
Grand Gallery: where the main special exhibits of the season are stored. Infinite Place– The Ceramic Art of Wayne Higby is currently on display. This exhibit gives you a panoramic image of ceramic art through a variety of sculptures/​bowls.
The Renaissance: this exhibit is A MUST!!! So many cool armors, swords, and outfits from the Renaissance era. You also get to see authentic stain glass windows from old churches on the walls.
Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome: one word MUMMIES!!! Seeing the Mummy tomb is the best thing about this section.
European Art from the Medieval Times to the 20^th Century: takes up a A BULK of the gallery upstairs, and really captures the moment of being back in the those times. The religious paintings and artifacts to look at creates a very moving, and powerful experience. It shows a great depiction of the Lord during that time, and his story through art.
Asian Art: get ready to see a whole lot of Buddha statues, and tapestries. This exhibit comes full circle with the era of reincarnation.
Ancient Middle East and Islam: learn about the history of Allah through ancient plates, and tablets.
Overall: HUGE museum, variety of exhibits, organ player, high profile events, movie nights, and mummies. So stop complaining that there is nothing to do in Rochester, and check out the Memorial Art Gallery!!! Of course I will be back.

If you’re looking for an encyclopedic art museum north of New York City, the Memorial Art Gallery is waiting for you. While the other major museums upstate focus on their specialties, this museum tries to offer something for everyone with just about every genre checked off like a shopping list. Famous artists from Rembrandt to Warhol are on display here, too, but few of their iconic works. No matter, after all, aren’t a half-​finished John Singleton Copley and a lesser-​known Jackson Pollack still worth a peek? Sure, this isn’t the condensed version of The Metropolitan Museum but I doubt you’ll leave here dissatisfied.
My only complaint is the dearth of natural light in the galleries. There is so much bad canned lighting and reflective plexiglass that it often felt more like a tanning salon than a museum. Casual visitors probably won’t notice but if you stare at a number of the paintings it can impossible to appreciate the details because a round sphere of light is blazing on the canvas. Other track lights are positioned poorly so the top portions of paintings are in shadows.
I came here again for my favorite painting: John Koch’s ‘Interlude’. A seated artist’s model is turned away from the viewer and, during a break in the painting session, is handed a cup of coffee or tea by the artist’s wife. It’s a modern-​day Ingres with the focus on the model’s back as the simplicity of the scene surrounds her. The artist can be seen in the background slouched in his chair as he contemplates whether he has applied his final brushstroke.
In NYC, you can physically visit a bunch of museums in no time for the price of the subway. Here, in upstate New York, it becomes a worthwhile road trip connecting a string of art museums: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica.

Beautiful place to hold an event! Gorgeous rooms, spacious, kind staff.
I would definitely not recommend the catering, though. My company hosts at least 2 events there every year and this year’s food situation gotten out of hand. Since we’re not able to bring in outside food (annoying, but kind of understandable), they only other option is to have Max at the Gallery cater. Well. It was not ok. Not good. Not even edible. We had paid an extraordinary amount for bagels and couldn’t even afford the astronomical price for coffee, and we watched them take bagels out of plastic bags and place them on trays. I would have rather served nothing at all than store bought plastic bagels. It was disgusting. Needless to say I was very displeased, as were many of the guests.

U of R students can get into this museum for free, and students from other universities only need to pay $ 5. What a steal!
I kind of rushed through the MAG a few days ago — there’s so much do see, so definitely allocate more than the two hours I did.
The infinity boxes (on exhibit until early January) were incredible, and resulted in a lot of awesome photos (Tip: go here for your next profile image).
The golden books exhibit is super cute. I loved that there were sections set up with comfy sofas and bookshelves of golden books so you could just lounge there and read! Go recreate your childhood. :)
One of the coolest pieces in the permanent exhibit was the American Gothic painting recreated upside down with spools of thread. Take one of the glass spoons (? not sure what to call ‘em) and flip it on its head!
Wish definitely be visiting more often!

Hard to star this one, because although I love the museum itself, I was sorely disappointed in the Thursday night tapas event. First of all, this isn’t remotely «tapas» — not even an Americanized snacks-​and-​small-​plates version of it. It was a selection of entrees and sides (flank steak with a soy-​scallion sauce; trout-​and-​apple salad; salmon cakes; roasted root vegetables; an orzo salad; and I think one other vegetable side), except in very tiny portions. Think one salmon cake, a scoop of the trout salad equaling maybe one cup, etc.) And each was priced at $ 5 – 6.
Everything I tasted was delicious, but my friend and I split one small plate with three of the dishes, and felt ready for a full meal afterwards. Now, I don’t expect to leave a tapas event stuffed, but the dishes served at the MAG were confusing. Is it tapas, or dinner? Are these dishes to share? Why was there nothing like a cheese selection or charcuterie plate or olives or… I could go on, but you get the gist.
My friend and I each had one glass of wine, and I bought an additional glass for a third friend. With three drinks and the aforementioned three-​selection «tapas» plate, I spent $ 50.
I understand that this is not a destination that’s intended to be a «value,» and that I could have gone elsewhere if I wanted to enjoy several drinks and a full meal for $ 50 or under. The event clearly caters to a well-​heeled crowd who think nothing of dropping $ 8 for a half-​pour of mediocre wine (seriously, these glasses were dinky) and another $ 18 for what amounts to a salad plate’s worth of food out of warming trays — not counting tips for, essentially, counter service. But it occurs to me that the MAG might do itself a disservice by taking this approach. Why not lower the prices a smidge or offer a few more affordable options (say, a selection of cheeses at $ 2 – 3 each, with some baguette, or a plate that includes a few signature nibbles that really could be shared), make the drinks more affordable or even invite local wineries in to do complimentary tastings, and try to attract a crowd that might not ordinarily visit the museum?
If this were the kind of event where people could come for a glass of wine and a few shared finger foods for, say, $ 10pp — so that they could stop here first and then go out for dinner — then tapas could be a real draw to get a new crowd in the doors, instead of catering to the same old crowd of folks who are probably already patrons.
«Oh, but they have live music!» you say. Yeah… well, they had a couple of Eastman students who, I would bet my bottom dollar, were only paid a plate of «tapas» for the gig. This was background music at best, and to be honest, they took a long break (30 – 45 mins?) during the time we were there (6 – 7, right smack dab in the middle of the event).
My overall impression was that the MAG (and Max at the Gallery, or whoever caters it) charges these prices, and markets to this crowd, because it can. They probably justify it by saying that the profits go to the museum, but it’s short-​sighted. Cut down on the profit margin and make this an accessible event for a much wider swath of the community — who might then be inclined to support the museum in the long run.
Edited to add: I love the idea of having a glass of Pinot, tasting some sophisticated snacks, and listening to live music in what is a beautiful setting, then going to wander around the museum and look at very cool exhibits and world-​class art — but I won’t be back to the tapas night unless I acquire a sugar daddy, and I won’t recommend this event to my friends.

I’ve been coming here as long as I can remember, and it has always been one of my favorite places in Rochester. The building is beautiful inside and out. Walking through the museum is a relaxing and reflective experience. I especially love the European art on the second floor. I also really like new outdoor garden/​sculptures.
Even if you’re no art buff (I certainly am not), you will enjoy a visit to this place. The collection is impressive for a city of this size.
If you’re a college student, bring your ID – You will get in for 5 bucks. U of R students are free!

Every year for my wedding anniversary I visit a museum. This year, Adam and I decided to visit this place since I have never been and the last time Adam went he was in elementary school.
We got very lucky and went on a day that there was a cultural event. The admission this day was free but they were asking that if you had any cash to make a small donation, which I did.
I was surprised once I got in because I did not realize how large this place was. I liked that there were many different rooms with all of the different themes. I saw on the website that you could have pictures taken there for your wedding but there are many spots that are beautiful to actually get married at.
I am not too much of an art fan, most things are nice to look at and other things I just don’t get. There was one piece in particular that I just didn’t understand why it was worthy of the museum… It was a painted red rectangle and that is all. I just don’t get that but all well, I don’t pick the art work that goes up.
Whether I understood it or not, it was still nice to go see everything and all of the detail so many artists put into their work, this is such a great thing to have here in Rochester.
The cultural event was a Hispanic one. It was cool to see ladies dressed up in costumes and singing and dancing.
Adam and I really enjoyed ourselves here. We don’t make it to museums too often but this was a good one and a perfect day to celebrate our third year of marriage.

I don’t go here enough! MAG members get 10% discount to Aunt Rosie’s (lunch only), Char at the Strathallan, the Gate House, Max of Eastman Place (lunch only), Salenas Mexican Restaurant and Tastebuds at the Gallery (Summer Hours: Wednesday-​Friday 11 am-​3 pm).
They have various events… exhibition preview parties (free); Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 pm for Tapas Night with live music; workshops.

If it’s raining in Rochester or your lady friend tells you to get lost for a few hours (both of these seem to happen to me quite often), this museum is an excellent place to kill some time.
It’s a gorgeous building, and there are several standing exhibits with a large amount of early American art that are worth checking out. I did enjoy the current exhibit on Matisse’s lesser known print works as well.
If solitude is your thing, you should know that the MAG might well be the quietest museum I’ve ever been to. I don’t think it was a fluke, either, as there is a sign as you enter the upper galleries that warns you that the lights may in fact be off, but will automatically turn on when you enter.
And evidently, Thursday nights are Tapas Night, so even if you have no appreciation for the arts, at least you can eat and drink. You boorish, uncultured lout.

The past couple visits, I’ve gone during Tapas Night on Thursdays (5−8pm) and then take advantage of the half price admission ($ 6). Tapas night includes wine and snacks from Max at the Gallery for purchase. Last Tapas night, they featured a new brewery, Climbing Bines, which was an awesome treat. They should definitely consider featuring breweries/​wineries or other nearby spots for future events. It added a super cool element to the evening. There’s music, the wine is good, and there’s a decent variety of snacks. Although, some stretched the «tapas» spectrum… like the chicken breast offered? Not something I’d snack on. But I did enjoy the butternut squash soup and cheese/​charcuterie — drunken goat cheese is always a win in my book.
I visited MAG when the Memory Theatre exhibit was installed. It maybe brought a little tear to my eye. I have an affinity for old photos. I’m always scouring through boxes of them when I visit home. It’s a nice connection to the past and moments that have faded from my memory so to see the exhibit surround memories of the past was special. They also had an interactive area where people wrote out past memories on post-​its to stick to the wall. My favorite part was the photo series of a photographer’s grandmother, mother, and herself — it showed the contrast between past generations of large families and today’s generation of families with few or no children. The whole exhibit was emotional as it connected you to others through similar moments of the past. It was a nice moment of reflection too. Kudos to MAG for putting that together — one of my all time favorite museum exhibits.
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If you’re a Rochester native, you really should spend some quality time here. They have a nice mix of exhibits covering a global representation of art over time. It’s pretty cool to know these paintings and sculptures are accessible in our city. I personally love the Egyptian, Buddhist, and Chinese art exhibits. It brings me back to my art history days.
If you have friends/​family coming in from out of town, this museum is a must!