September 22, 2021

C. M. RUSSELL MUSEUM

400 13th St N, Great Falls, MT 59401

“C. M. Russell Museum Complex is an art museum located in the city of Great Falls, Montana, in the United States. The museum's primary function is to display the artwork of Great Falls "cowboy artist" Charles Marion Russell, for whom the museum is named.” Wikipedia

I don’t know what else to say other than, the C.M. Russell Museum is awesome! Of course, it showcases the work of Russell, an artist, turned cowboy, turned premiere western artist of the 19th and 20th centuries. I loved learning about his life and being able to observe how his work developed over time. His paintings, both watercolors and acrylics, were amazing, but I also loved his sculptures both big and small. The museum was built behind the house that he and his wife lived in for many years, which was next to Russell’s log cabin studio. Both the home and studio were open for touring.

Besides C.M. Russell’s work there were other galleries displaying work of other western artists. The first gallery was dedicated to Russell’s friend and drawing partner, O. C. Seltzer. There was also a temporary exhibit of Andy Warhol’s work along with an exhibit of Billy Schenck, “the Warhol of Western Art.” Downstairs there was a large exhibit dedicated to the American Bison, which as the museum stated there is no other animal that says American West like the bison.

If you get to Montana a trip to Great Falls to see the C.M. Russell Museum would certainly be worth your while.