Our Story
Situated amongst the rolling hills of southeastern Washington known as the Palouse, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU (JSMA) is integrated into the cultural fabric of Washington State University Pullman, a beautiful, state-of-the-art campus with more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
The museum has a nearly 50-year record of outstanding art exhibitions, supporting a wide range of educational programs, and sharing a substantial collection of works of art with students and visitors. In 2018, through the generosity of Jordan D. Schnitzer and many other donors, the museum inaugurated a majestic purpose-built facility at the heart of the WSU Pullman campus. Designed by architect Jim Olson, the ‘crimson cube’ is now known as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Washington State University.
The continuing purpose of the JSMA is to bring the visual arts to students, faculty, and staff of WSU; to the local community, eastern Washington, and the nation. As a major art museum between Seattle and Missoula, the museum is a vital point of art access across the Pacific Northwest. Our core audience is WSU students—and for many of them, the JSMA is the first art museum they have ever visited.
The JSMA at WSU offers free programs and exhibitions with support from our generous donors and friends.
Learn more about the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation and our building:
Mission
The museum inspires, engages, and educates diverse audiences through the power of art.
Vision
We aspire to be a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that positions art as an integral part of society to expand dialogue, cultural understanding, and social change.
Values
Excellence: We are committed to the highest professional standards of excellence in all aspects of our work.
Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all backgrounds.
Accessibility: We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to making the museum accommodating to all.
Learning and Engagement: We value art as a catalyst for growth and connection, engaging our community through partnerships, programs, and outreach.
Collaboration: We actively seek academic and community collaborations to enhance our impact and reach.
Stewardship: We are dedicated to the museum’s stewardship and the preservation of our collections, ensuring their availability and relevance for present and future generations.
Innovation: We explore innovation and new methodologies to enhance the museum experience, interpret artworks, and engage with our audience.
Affiliations
WSU / We are an independent department of Washington State University, under the auspices of the Office of the Chancellor.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU holds memberships in the institutions below.
American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG)
North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
