Forbes Magazine: Muskegon is ranked as number 10 nationwide for culture and leisure activities among cities its size!

Some of the nation's finest artwork, performance and historically-significant structures are at home in Muskegon, an area rich in arts and culture. 

 The Muskegon Museum of Art, a nationally accredited museum, is entrusted with the care of a permanent collection, including pieces by Bonnard, Curry, Hopper, Lachaise, Pissaro, Rodin, Rousseau, Sisley and Whistler.  The museum was built in 1912 by the Muskegon Public Schools, inspired by a 1905 bequest from the lumber baron Charles H. Hackley of $150,000 to be used for the "purchase of pictures of the best kind." Nearby, in Muskegon's Historic District, master gardeners have created a small replica of "Monet's Garden," complete with a water lily pond and the same plants as those of the artist's own garden in Giverny, France. Inspiring a new generation of artists is ArtWorks of Muskegon, a 26-unit, loft-style apartment building with gallery and studio space for area artists.  It is the site of the former Muskegon Boiler Works plant downtown, and the developer worked to preserve the character of the 140 year old building. 

Across the street, residents and visitors enjoy another arts-minded renovation that converted a former service station into Clay Avenue Station, a gallery and cafe.  The 1929-built sandstone structure features more than 100 works of art and is home to Muskegon's own locally vintage and bottled wine. 

Historic buildings and structures are important in Muskegon, and the latest to open after renovation is the Scolnik Depression Era House, a historic house of the Depression Era.  The Scolnik home, at 504 West Clay, is believed to be the only such property in the nation.  Visitors will learn how an ordinary family made do during the toughest of economic times.  Most of the furnishings are from the museum's permanent collection. Muskegon's historic district also features many of Victorian structures, including the homes of Hackley and his partner, Thomas Hume. Built during the late 1800s, the two are excellent examples of the Queen Anne style. The 1890 Hackley Library, listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Places, is another architectural gem. The St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, designed by New York architect Marcel Breuer, is a massive modern structure of concrete, steel and colored glass. The small town of Montague holds claim to the world's largest weathervane, which weighs 4,300 pounds and stands 48 feet tall.

The Coastline's history is kept alive at several museums and historic sites.  The downtown of Muskegon County Museum traces the county histories from Native American settlements into the 21^st century.  The Fire Barn Museum is a re-creation of the 1875 C.H. Hackley Hose Co. No. 2 firehouse.

PERFOMRING ARTS AND CELEBRATIONS

The Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts has presented theater, films and concerts for more than 75 years.  The historic 1,750 seat theater is known for its outstanding acoustics, hydraulic orchestra pit, large backstage area and state-of-the-art rigging.  It is home to the 65-year old West Shore Symphony Orchestra and the annual Miss Michigan Pageant, a Muskegon tradition for more than 50 years.  The Frauenthal's Beardsley Theater features seating for 170 and is used for lectures, meetings and productions by the Muskegon Civic Theatre.

Music and theater also are presented at Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, which draws international talent.

Bringing international flair to the community is the Muskegon Latino Festival/Muskegon Fiesta Sabor Latino, held each May.  Events include Latin music, art displays, cultural food and a car show, all of which are designed to educate the community about the rich heritage of its Latino neighbors.

MARITIME MEMORIES

The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, on the Muskegon Channel, features the World War II submarine Silversides.  Open for guided tours, the submarine can be reserved by groups for overnight stays.  Also at the museum, and available for tours, is the Prohibition-era Coast Guard Culter McLane.

LST 393, a restored World War II transport ship, is open for tours, overnights and "movies on the deck" at the Mart Dock on Muskegon Lake.  The 393 Preservation Association continues to beautify and restore the ship, which earned three battle stars in WWII's European Theater, after which it was outfitted and painted in camouflage for the Pacific Theater. 

Also at the Mart Dock is the 150-passenger Port City Princess, which also is available for cruises around Muskegon Lake and into Lake Michigan. The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, a 1904 American passenger steamship- the last on the Great Lakes, and now a National Historical Landmark, is permanently moored on Muskegon Lake and open for tours boasting a very large collection of Great Lakes Research material. The White River Light Station Museum, an 1875 lighthouse on the channel connecting White Lake and Lake Michigan near Whitehall, recalls the 19^th century maritime industry. 

CULTURAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Complementing the many museums, theaters and sports venues are special events and festivals including Muskegon's Summer Celebration, Muskegon Art Fair, Muskegon Irish Music Festival, Lakeshore Soul Festival, Unity Christian Music Festival, Muskegon Film Festival, Oktoberfest, Trillium Festival at Hoffmaster State Park, Snow Fest, Shoreline Spectacular, Holiday Film Fest, Pumpkin Fest, Oktoberfest, Bike Time and Tech Fest.  There's depth in the how the community preserves, respects and takes part in the region's artistic presence. See a calendar of upcoming area events!