James A. Michener Art Museum
138 South Pine St.
Doylestown, PA 18901-4626
(215) 340-9800
www.michenermuseum.org

This wonderful, relatively new museum offer visitors a chance to experience the magic of an old county jail transformed into a center of artistic expression. Featuring four permanent exhibitions and about a dozen changing exhibitions per year, Michener promises an exhilarating experience time and again.

Permanent installations include James A. Michener: A Living Legacy, celebrating his career as a writer, public servant, art collector and philanthropist. It includes a special video, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the original manuscript of "The Novel."

The Nakashima Reading Room showcases classic furniture from the studio of Bucks County woodworker George Nakashima. Designed by his daughter, the traditional Japanese room contains many of the beautiful pieces crafted by this artist.

The Visual Heritage of Bucks County traces the art of the regions from Colonial times to the present, with more than forty works by primitive artists, limners, American Impressionists, and others.

Inside Our Vault: Selections from the Collection is a permanent installation that actually changes every two months or so. It draws on the Museum's rapidly expanding permanent collection.

The changing exhibitions highlight the work of artists from around the world, including many from Bucks County and other areas of Pennsylvania. The media is varied and the subject matter always thought provoking.

The Museum offers a full calendar of special lectures, demonstrations, and cultural activities for the entire family.

Groups (15 or more) are welcome, and School Groups and other youth groups will benefit from the great programs available to them. Artstart (Pre-K) lives up to its title by introducing children to a variety of themes and media, including painting, sculpture, prints and photography. Museum Mysteries (K - 3) exercises students visual perception as they learn about art by participating in treasure hunts, activities and games. A Lasting Impression (4 - 9) helps students explore Bucks County culture and art through the Museum's collections and activities that focus on art appreciation. Art for All Tours for all ages can focus on any number of topics involving the Museum and art. They include discussions, games and exercises. In-School Programs are also available. Call for details. One chaperone for every six students is required.

Teachers can ask for an introductory video about the Museum, as well as special Teacher Resource Packets loaded with useful information and ideas. In addition the Museum offers free Workshops and Courses designed to help teachers make full use of the Museum's resources in education.