Skip to main content
Everson Museum Of Art - Syracuse

Things to Do at Everson Museum Of Art

Complete Guide to Everson Museum Of Art in Syracuse

About Everson Museum Of Art

The Everson Museum of Art occupies a striking brutalist concrete building designed by I.M. Pei in 1968, its geometric forms and narrow windows creating gallery spaces that focus attention on the artworks rather than exterior views. The museum houses one of America's premier collections of American ceramics, with over 6,000 pieces ranging from colonial pottery to contemporary sculptural vessels that showcase centuries of artistic evolution. Walking through the quiet galleries, you can smell the faint scent of wax from floor maintenance and hear the subtle hum of climate control systems that preserve delicate artworks. Admission costs $10 for adults with free admission on Friday evenings, and the museum shop features works by local and regional artists. Visit Saturday mornings when docent-led tours provide insights into the ceramic collection and you can appreciate Pei's architectural vision without weekend crowds.

What to See & Do

Ceramics Collection

The Everson Museum Of Art houses over 2,000 artifacts spanning three centuries across 12,000 square feet of gallery space. Admission $12. Visit Tuesday through Thursday for quieter galleries and better photography opportunities Polished marble floors echo with quiet footsteps while filtered sunlight illuminates carefully arranged displays, creating an atmosphere of reverent discovery.

American Art Galleries

A solid survey of American art from the 18th century onward, including works by Grant Wood, Thomas Cole, and other notable names. The collection gives you a decent sense of how American artistic identity developed over time.

Contemporary Exhibitions

The rotating exhibitions tend to be thoughtfully curated and often feature regional artists alongside national names. These temporary shows are usually what make repeat visits worthwhile.

I.M. Pei Architecture

The building itself is part of the experience - those dramatic concrete forms and the way natural light filters through create interesting viewing conditions that actually complement the art rather than competing with it.

Video Art Collection

A surprisingly strong collection of video and digital art that the museum has been building for decades. It's not huge, but what's there tends to be well-chosen and properly presented.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday through Sunday 10am-5pm, with extended hours until 8pm on Fridays. Closed Mondays except for some holiday Mondays - worth checking their website before you go.

Tickets & Pricing

General admission is around $8 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and children. First Friday evenings are often free, and some special exhibitions might have separate pricing.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, which is nice for contemplating art. Friday evenings can be lively if there's a special event, but that might be exactly what you're looking for.

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 2-3 hours if you want to see the permanent collection properly. Less if you're just hitting the highlights, more if there's a special exhibition that catches your interest.

Getting There

The museum sits right in downtown Syracuse on South State Street, making it pretty accessible there's a parking lot adjacent to the museum, though downtown Syracuse parking can be a bit of a puzzle during busy times. The Centro bus system has several routes that stop nearby, and if you're staying downtown, it's likely within walking distance. The building is hard to miss - that concrete facade really stands out among the more traditional downtown architecture.

Things to Do Nearby

Armory Square
Syracuse's historic entertainment district, about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Good restaurants, bars, and shops in renovated 19th-century buildings.
Syracuse Stage
Professional theater company that puts on quality productions. If you're planning an evening out, it's worth checking what's playing - the theater is just a few blocks away.
Onondaga Historical Museum
A smaller museum that gives you context about Syracuse and the surrounding region. Interesting if you want to understand how this city developed.
Clinton Square
The heart of downtown Syracuse, often with seasonal events or festivals. In winter, there's usually an ice skating rink that adds some life to the area.

Tips & Advice

The museum shop actually has some interesting ceramics and art books - not just the usual museum tchotchkes you'll find elsewhere
If you're interested in the ceramics collection, ask about any artist demonstrations or workshops - they occasionally have working ceramic artists in the galleries
The brutalist architecture can feel cold in winter, but the interior spaces are well-heated and the thick walls actually make it quite cozy inside
Check if there are any Syracuse University art events happening nearby - the university has a strong arts program and sometimes there are interesting connections or joint programming

Tours & Activities at Everson Museum Of Art

Explore More Landmarks

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.