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The Palmer Museum of Art

Penn State’s art museum opened its doors in 1972. In 1987, it was named for benefactors James and Barbara Palmer, whose generous lead gift helped to make possible a major expansion. Today, the Palmer boasts an eye-catching facade and plaza designed by the noted post-modern architect Charles Moore in the early 1990s. The monumental bronze lion paws at the entrance, designed by Pittsburgh artist Paul Bowden, pay homage to Penn State’s Nittany Lion, and playfully reference the longstanding tradition of displaying sculpted lions at the entrance of important civic buildings. With a permanent collection of some 8,000 objects spanning thirty-five centuries, the Palmer Museum maintains an active exhibition schedule and is a cultural resource for both the University and the surrounding region.