Burchfield Penney Art Center
Discover Buffalo and regional art, including the world's largest Charles E. Burchfield collection, in a welcoming, intimate setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Burchfield Penney Art Center
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Buffalo and regional art, including the world's largest Charles E. Burchfield collection, in a welcoming, intimate setting.
"The Burchfield Penney Art Center did not disappoint; we especially enjoyed seeing the variety of art in the spacious galleries."
🎯 Free Admission on Second Fridays
Enjoy free entry on M&T Second Fridays! A great way to experience the art without cost.
☕ Grab a Bite at Roux Cafe
The cafe offers tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads – perfect for a lunch break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charles E. Burchfield Collection
Galleries
Immerse yourself in the magical, groundbreaking watercolors of Charles Burchfield, a cornerstone of regional art.
Regional Artist Showcases
Rotating Galleries
Discover diverse contemporary and historical art from Buffalo and Western New York artists.
Roux Cafe
Ground Floor
Enjoy delicious soups, sandwiches, and salads at the onsite cafe, a perfect midday refuel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days
Focus on Regional Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission on Second Fridays
Enjoy free entry on M&T Second Fridays! A great way to experience the art without cost.
☕ Grab a Bite at Roux Cafe
The cafe offers tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads – perfect for a lunch break.
🖼️ Explore Local Talent
Don't miss the focus on Buffalo and regional artists; it's a unique aspect of the collection. +1
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique gifts and art-inspired items in the museum's well-curated shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission on Second Fridays
Enjoy free entry on M&T Second Fridays! A great way to experience the art without cost.
☕ Grab a Bite at Roux Cafe
The cafe offers tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads – perfect for a lunch break.
🖼️ Explore Local Talent
Don't miss the focus on Buffalo and regional artists; it's a unique aspect of the collection. +1
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique gifts and art-inspired items in the museum's well-curated shop.
🚶♀️ Perfect Size Galleries
Appreciate art without feeling overwhelmed; the galleries are a comfortable size.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Burchfield Penney Art Center for its manageable size, diverse and thoughtfully curated regional art collections, and the excellent onsite cafe. It's highlighted as a valuable cultural institution in Buffalo that offers an engaging experience without feeling overwhelming, making it a highly recommended destination for families and art lovers alike.
"What better thing to do on a rainy day in Buffalo than visit a museum. Well, the Burchfield Penney Art Center did not disappoint. We especially enjoyed seeing the variety of art in the spacious galleries. The furniture on display was most interesting."
Carol Ann Jason
"What a treat it was to go the museum today with my family. The Burchfield has great variety in their exhibits, which are thoughtfully curated and hung. The gift shop was a fun experience too. It was an excellent experience for the older, middle-aged, and teenaged people in my party. I highly recommend it and never leave reviews, which just goes to show how impressed I have been."
Candice Stoddard
"We usually go there for lunch (outstanding soups and sandwiches, excellent salads). But the art is worth a visit. They specialize in Charles Burchfield (currently a special show) and local artists and artisans. It gets over shadowed by the AKG, but shouldn’t be skipped: always worth seeing what they have on."
Ted Lightfoot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is located at 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY. It's easily accessible by car and is about a 10-minute drive from Canisius University. Public transportation options are also available within Buffalo. +1
Parking information can vary. It's advisable to check the official website or call ahead for the most current parking details, especially if you are driving.
Yes, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is often mentioned alongside other Buffalo art institutions like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and El Museo, making it a great stop on an art-focused day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically $10, with a student discount available for $5.
Absolutely! Admission is free on M&T Second Fridays, making it a popular event for locals and visitors.
Operating hours can change seasonally. It's best to check the official Burchfield Penney Art Center website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the center offers memberships which may include benefits like free admission and discounts. Check their website for details on membership tiers and perks.
While some events might require advance booking, general admission can often be purchased upon arrival. Checking the website for specific exhibitions or events is recommended.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The center focuses on art from Buffalo and the surrounding region, with a significant collection of Charles E. Burchfield's work, as well as contemporary and historical pieces by local artists. +1
The Burchfield Penney Art Center frequently hosts special exhibitions. It's recommended to check their website for current and upcoming exhibits, such as 'Total Solar Eclipse & Astral Visions' or works by Markenzy Cesar. +1
Yes, the center is family-friendly, with engaging exhibits and programs. Students have even trained as junior docents to lead tours for younger visitors.
The 'Wes Anderson aesthetic' refers to the visually distinctive, often symmetrical, and colorfully curated style that some visitors perceive in the museum's presentation and exhibits.
The center hosts various events and workshops, such as collage workshops, community art parties, and has hosted events like 'Stay Gold Community Art Party'.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Roux Cafe is located inside the Burchfield Penney Art Center, offering delicious soups, sandwiches, and salads.
Roux Cafe serves outstanding soups, sandwiches, and excellent salads, making it a great spot for lunch.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside art museums to protect the exhibits. It's best to enjoy your meal at the onsite cafe or designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed in most galleries, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff.
Many visitors find the unique installations and the 'Wes Anderson aesthetic' of the museum's presentation to be highly photogenic. The architecture and specific exhibits often provide great photo opportunities.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires special permission and may incur fees. Contact the museum directly for commercial photography inquiries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for a visit that includes exploring the regional art and perhaps a stop at the Roux Cafe for a kid-friendly lunch. The gift shop also offers unique items that can serve as fun souvenirs.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Even outside of free days, the general admission price is very reasonable, especially with student discounts available. Combine your visit with a packed lunch or enjoy affordable options at the Roux Cafe to keep costs down.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond Burchfield, the center's dedication to showcasing contemporary and historical art from Buffalo and the Western New York region offers a unique perspective on American art. Keep an eye on their schedule for special exhibitions and artist talks that delve deeper into the regional art scene.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Charles E. Burchfield
Visitors can explore thousands of his paintings, sketches, and journals, offering a comprehensive look at his artistic evolution. Exhibitions often highlight specific periods or themes in his work, such as his fascination with celestial events or his unique interpretations of the changing seasons. The center's dedication to preserving and showcasing Burchfield's legacy makes it a must-visit for art enthusiasts interested in American Modernism and regional art history.
The Burchfield Penney Art Center provides an intimate and insightful experience into Burchfield's artistic world, allowing visitors to connect with his vision and understand his profound impact on the art landscape. The center's commitment ensures that his magical and groundbreaking paintings continue to inspire new generations.
Community Hub and Artistic Engagement
+1This commitment to community is further exemplified by programs like the Junior Docent Program, where students train to lead tours, and by the center's role in showcasing emerging and established regional artists. The Burchfield Penney Art Center provides a platform for artists like Markenzy Cesar and Wilhelmina Godfrey, bringing their stories and artwork to a wider audience.
+1Furthermore, the center is recognized for its role in fostering dialogue about the arts' impact on community health and opportunity, as highlighted in discussions on podcasts featuring its staff. This dedication to being more than just a gallery space, but a true center for cultural exchange and learning, makes the Burchfield Penney Art Center a valuable asset to Buffalo.
A Unique Museum Experience
The center's collection spans from the late 1800s to the present day, showcasing a rich tapestry of regional artistic expression. Beyond paintings, the museum also features furniture and other decorative arts, adding another layer of interest to the visitor experience. The unique glass exhibits have also been a point of appreciation for many.
Many reviewers highlight the Burchfield Penney Art Center as a delightful destination, especially on a rainy day, and a place that consistently impresses. Its ability to offer a diverse range of art in a manageable and enjoyable setting makes it a highly recommended stop for anyone exploring Buffalo's cultural landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit