Our Collections
The Permanent Collections of The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum were founded on a remarkably succinct and bold mission statement: to collect the art of our time and place. This mission continues to guide the display and interpretation of the over 5,000 artworks that are included in the Collections—as well as the accession of exciting new works.
James Tiernan O'Rourke's substantial personal collection remains the seedbed of the Permanent Collections, given as the bequest of his estate in 2016. Combined with the generous gifts of other collectors and artists and with museum purchases, the Permanent Collections of The Rourke represent an array of global cultures, regional icons, and cosmopolitan art movements.
James Tiernan O'Rourke's substantial personal collection remains the seedbed of the Permanent Collections, given as the bequest of his estate in 2016. Combined with the generous gifts of other collectors and artists and with museum purchases, the Permanent Collections of The Rourke represent an array of global cultures, regional icons, and cosmopolitan art movements.
Currently on Display
- The Surrealist Figure
- Surrealism for Kids
- Tarot & Surrealism
- The 2024 Tri-College Student Sculpture Exhibition
- Pop Art
- Tiny and Ancient: Roman Glass & Egyptian Ushtabi
2023 – 2024 Permanent Collection displays are made possible in part by a Creative Support for Organizations grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board which helped to fund the position of our Collections Coordinator & Registrar and new and improved storage furniture and containers for the museum's climate-controlled storage space.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board,
thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.