CM Russell Museum

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Welcome to the C.M. Russell Museum: a place where the old West is still alive. Artist Charles M. Russell captured the landscapes, the spirit, and the culture of the West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His artwork is part entertainment, part history lesson. We encourage you to explore our site and discover for yourself the life and times of C.M. Russell, and the legacy of art he left behind.

Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

This exhibition features 200 pieces including watercolor paintings, oil paintings, pen and ink drawings, movie ephemera, books, photographs, and much more. This wonderful collection tells the story of Will James as a cowboy, artist, writer, and dreamer of the old West.
We invite the public to an opening reception on Thursday, October 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. Collector A.P. (Abe) Hays will join us to introduce this historic collection and will be available for a walk-through to discuss the exhibition.
Wine and light refreshments will be available. This event is free and open to the public. Attire: casual to business casual.

Saturday, October 30, 2010 - 10:00am - Sunday, October 31, 2010 - 2:00pm

The Bison: American Icon, Heart of Plains Indian Culture exhibition explores, through visual art and artifacts that bison have been an important part of American Indian culture for hundreds of years. It reviews the historical and cultural significance of bison as it emerges as an American icon. To acknowledge the importance of bison, we have organized three workshops to provide people experience in traditional tribal art using bison imagery with current-day art techniques.

Visual Language of the Plains: Ledger Art

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm

7 p.m., Ah-Wah-Cous Room Read more »

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - 10:30am - 12:30pm

A special workshop with Dwayne Wilcox where participants will design and execute their own ledger art. Supplies will be provided.
Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members

Friday, November 12, 2010 - 10:00am - 5:00pm

Visit the C.M. Russell Museum for a Toyland celebration! This event is the perfect launch into the holiday season.
Friday, November 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is a shopping day at the Museum Store, which is open to the public. Enjoy special discounts and a festive atmosphere as you shop. We have many one-of-a-kind gift ideas, furniture, decor, jewelry, clothing, and much more!
On Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., bring the kiddos down for a great time. We'll have sleigh loads full of crafts and activities. And enjoy FREE admission for the whole family!

Blackfeet Legend: Origin of the Buffalo Dance

Saturday, December 18, 2010 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Missouri River Dance Company presents Blackfeet Legend: Origin of the Buffalo Dance.
A traditional Blackfeet story comes to life as dancers of ballet, modern, and traditional native dance blend together to tell this legend. The story describes how the Blackfeet learned to call and drive the bison over the cliffs. Through a series of beautiful, fluid moves, the Missouri River Dance Company will interpret the Buffalo Dance and how it is used to call in the bison, even to this day. Read more »

Film Screening -- Facing the Storm: Story of the American Bison

Saturday, December 4, 2010 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Facing the Storm: Story of the American Bison
Presented by High Plains Films, an ITVS/Montana PBS co-production.
This film screening is free and open to the public at the C.M. Russell Museum, 400 13th Street North, Great Falls, Montana Read more »

As always, we value your input and suggestions. We are conducting a series of short surveys in order to gather valuable information from our members, visitors, and supporters. This information will enable us to continue to bring you the best in programming and events.
The survey below should just take a couple of minutes of your time. Your identity is confidential and we will not share your information with anyone. Thank you!

Update on The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum

As next year's The Russell: The Sale to Benefit the C.M. Russell Museum approaches, the staff and board of directors at the C.M. Russell Museum are working to bring you the best of the West.
Next year's events will be held during Western Art Week, March 17-19, 2011.
We are excited to announce that Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has accepted an invitation to attend The Russell as a special guest and speaker. Drummond is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Her blog, Confessions of a Pioneer Woman, receives 4 million unique site visitors and more than 20 million page views per month.
Photo of Ree Drummond by Bill Nyard