Manoogian Art Museum - Mackinac Island, MI
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GT.US
N 45° 51.048 W 084° 36.910
16T E 685157 N 5080236
Formerlly known as the Indian Dormitory Art Museum from 1966-2003. The museum was closed for an extensive refit. It reopened July 2, 2010 as the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
Waymark Code: WM76P6
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2009
Views: 11
The website at (
visit link) tells us:
"From Native American baskets to present-day paintings of the island by residents, The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum showcases historic treasures in Mackinac State Historic Parks' collection and inspires creativity in others. The art museum brings together Mackinac art created over the centuries. In one building, see Mackinac-inspired art from today and works from nearly two centuries ago. In fact, a fragment of decorated prehistoric pottery, recently excavated from the actual site of the art museum, is exhibited. Through the use of audiovisual and hands-on techniques and special programs, you can fully immerse yourself in the art. It's our hope that such exhibits will spark conversations about the pieces and perhaps what you think the work meant to the artist, to the original viewers, and to you. The art museum is generously funded by the Richard & Jane Manoogian Foundation."
The Indian Dormitory was built in 1838 as a result of the Treaty of Washington negotiated by American Henry Schoolcraft in 1836. The dormitory was constructed to house Native Americans from throughout the Great Lakes region who gathered on Mackinac Island to receive annuity payments. However, most Native Americans preferred to camp along the harbor. The building ceased being used by the Indian Agency in the 1840s. It was used for a variety of other purposes, and in 1868 it was leased to the local community as a public school. It served as the school until 1963. In the 1940s it served as the “Mackinac Island Summer School of Art”, but the program was suspended during WWII and not revived.