Booth Museum of Western Art to Blue Ridge Ga Directions

Explore the American West Without Leaving the South. Open since August 2003, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, just 30 minutes north of Atlanta off I-75, houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western American art in the country. Major temporary exhibits are mounted on a regular basis. Past exhibitions have featured the photographs of Ansel Adams, Frederic Remington's sculpture and the Western art of Andy Warhol. For much of 2020 the Museum is shining the spotlight on female artists. Along with a stellar permanent collection, ever-changing exhibits and two annual outdoor-indoor events, the Booth Museum is a repeat-worthy experience designed for all ages.

In the 120,000-square-foot space, the second largest art museum in Georgia, guests are invited to "See America's Story" through significant historic and contemporary Western artwork, from bronze to canvas, and in every style from painterly to pop art. Eight major galleries give a sweeping view of the West's history, land and cultures. Among the themed spaces is the soaring Eaton Sculpture Atrium; the Hardin Cowboy Gallery featuring artwork honoring all types of cowboys, including Black, Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian; as well as galleries focused on landscapes and wildlife; and "Native Hands," an installation of 150 artifacts and artisan pieces. "War is Hell;" featuring contemporary Civil War art, an interactive Sagebrush Ranch for kids and a Presidential Gallery of portraits and letters round out the permanent exhibitions.

Perhaps what makes the Booth such a rewarding and exciting experience is that visitors are treated to an immersion in a region that represents cherished American ideals of freedom, self-reliance and grit. For those who grew up watching Western movies and television shows, each sculpture, painting and object sparks the imagination; challenging myths and bringing cultures, indigenous peoples, flora and fauna alive.

Recognized as one of the great art museums in America, the Booth Western Art Museum has been on the leading edge of innovative exhibits and creative collaborations. For example, Executive Director Seth Hopkins helped identify, curate, organize and launch "Warhol and the West," showcasing Andy Warhol's collection of Western art and works he created, especially his "Cowboys and Indians" portfolio, the last major project before his death (1987). The exhibit was shared with Western museums in Tacoma (venue cancelled by pandemic) and Oklahoma City. Art critics have noted that the Booth's programming has underlined the Western genre's status as "real," or authentic, art.

If you go: Cartersville offers cosmopolitan amenities with the parking, accessibility and charm of a small town. Two Smithsonian-affiliated museums (the Booth and the Tellus Science Museum) and a beautifully restored historic downtown filled with antiques, galleries and boutiques offer a destination experience. Along with the Museum Café, area dining options include innovative cuisine, funky diners and everything in between.

NOTE: COVID Precautions are carefully followed at the Booth. Advance tickets are required. For the safety of all guests and to limit the number of visitors, the museum has implemented a timed ticket system. Tickets are available for entrance every 30 minutes. The interactive children's Sagebrush Ranch and the Orientation Theatre are closed at this time. For more information on changes designed to help offer the best experience possible for both visitors and staff, CLICK HERE for FAQs.

Fast Facts and Trivia

In 2020, The Booth was named "Best Art Museum in the U.S," by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, edging out the Metropolitan in New York, the Chicago Art Institute and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Cartersville, Georgia, just 30 minutes north of Atlanta, is by far the smallest city in America with two Smithsonian Affiliate Museums; the Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Science Museum.
Open since August 2003, The Booth Western Art Museum houses the largest permanent exhibition of Western American art in the country in its 120,000 square foot space, the right size for a first visit, yet large enough to make additional trips a rewarding surprise.
More than 50 percent of its collection is on display at any time, way more than the typical museum.
Temporary exhibits are changed every three to four months in four galleries, resulting in 12 to 15 exhibitions per year, the most in any Georgia art museum.
The building's architecture was constructed from Bulgarian limestone and designed to resemble a modern pueblo.
The Booth celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding by an anonymous local family of Western art collectors in July 2000. The family wanted to share their love of art, particularly with youth in the region.
The Museum is named for Sam Booth, an important mentor/family friend of the anonymous founders.
Major artists whose works appear at the Museum include examples of early Western artists such as George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Remington, W.R. Leigh ("the Sagebrush Rembrandt"), Charles Russell, Ansel Adams and others. However, the core of the collection is built around living masters of traditional Western imagery such as Howard Terpning (also known for images for Gone With the Wind and The Sound of Music), Ken Riley, and G. Harvey, as well as more contemporary artists like Ed Mell, Thom Ross, Donna Howell-Sickles, Kim Wiggins and others.
Contemporary artists exhibited at Booth have been commissioned for important sculptures for war memorials throughout the country including on the Mall in Washington, DC, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol and at major sports venues across the country.
The Booth is home to the Commanders in Chief project, consisting of three paintings 14 by 20 feet each depicting all of the US Presidents, created by Ross R. Rossin, a relatively new US citizen originally from Bulgaria. Rossin's works are also featured prominently in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Female, Black, Asian and Caucasian artists are all represented, covering such diverse subjects as Buffalo Soldiers, Chinese railroad and mining workers, female pioneers, cowhands and ranch owners along with Native Americans from many Western tribes shown as much more than just a barrier to perceived progress.
Some artists are family members of "Western Royalty" such as rodeo champions. Some are self-taught. Others are cutting-edge innovators in styles and media. Many are equally proficient in painting and sculpture.
The Booth Museum Research Library is a non-circulating reference for Western American art, culture and history. Small collections of reference materials on Civil War, United States presidential and local history also support the Museum's mission.
While group tours are suspended for the time being, Homeschoolers, private and public schools can avail themselves of programming on the Booth's Website under the Learning tab, including virtual field trips, Homeschool Fridays and more.
Four unique, interactive virtual programs for students have been created for the Booth by the former Center for Puppetry Arts Distance Learning developer, Patty Dees. Dees has been the Booth Director of Education since 2016.
An Elderhostel distance learning program for seniors, assisted living communities and others is under development for this fall featuring the history of Western movies, covered in three one-hour installments.
Historically the Booth has offered a daily Highlights Tour beginning at 1:30 p.m. This tour is currently suspended, but as an alternative a brand new Outdoor Sculpture Tour is being offered at 11:15 a.m. every Tuesday through Saturday; reservations required for five or more.

The Booth:" Visit in Person or Virtually, Day or Night" Since March 16, 2020 when the museum closed for 90 days, the Booth has reinvented itself by offering extensive virtual opportunities to engage with the Museum and its collections and exhibitions. More than a dozen 3D walk-through exhibitions are now online, along with narrated gallery walks of many exhibitions, and many hours of lectures or studio visits with artists are all located on the Museum website www.boothmuseum.org under the virtual visit tab. Additional archive programming is available on the Museum's Facebook page and its dedicated YouTube channel.

Awards and Accolades

February 2020 Winner of USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Poll "Best Art Museum" (An expert panel and 10Best editors picked the initial nominees–there are more than 35,000+ museums in the U.S. alone. Top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.)
Listed among "The South's Best Museums"–Southern Living
Among the top 10 in "30 Must-See Art Museums In the U.S."–TheCareerArtProject.com
One of "Five U.S. Art Museums to Add to Your Bucket List"–TheDailyQuirk.com
"Best Western Museum in America" –2016 Reader's Choice Awards, True West Magazine
2016 Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year–Southeast Tourism Society
Member, Museums West Consortium–The 15 most important Western-themed Museums in North America
The Booth is a Smithsonian Affiliate

Annual Events

Southeastern Cowboy Festival & Symposium, October, www.BoothMuseum.org
Western Art History Symposium, October, www.BoothMuseum.org
Presidents' Day Fun and Learning, February, www.BoothMuseum.org
For the Love of Art Gala & Art Auction; weekend activities, February, www.BoothMuseum.org
Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, March, www.BoothMuseum.org

Click here for a full listing of Booth Western Art Museum's annual events.

Photo Gallery

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