The Everson Museum of Art

When I first approached the exterior of this museum years ago, I was put off by the brutalist exterior. Actually, I disliked it. Where is the entrance? What’s up with the odd shape? It clashed with my notions of what a building was supposed to be.
Repeated visits over the years have changed my opinion entirely. I love it. Now, it’s not uncommon for art museums to design bold spaces for their collections. However, this structure by I.M. Pei opened in 1968. It was radical for its time. It’s essentially sculpture. You have to look about to find the entrance. This minimalist but multi-​faceted tan and grey box sits at the edge of an elegantly bare plaza. On a warm summer day, it may be pleasant but Syracuse’s frigid winter temperatures can make it all seem a bit unnerving.
The major challenge now in trying to appreciate this museum is that it is in desperate need of help. The minimalist exterior and plaza don’t benefit from poorly-​placed outdoor sculpture and, during the time of my visit, the clutter of pokey holiday decorations. There are numerous repairs, especially to broken concrete, that should be made to the building and plaza.
Inside, the large lobby is highlighted by a flood of natural daylight and a wonderful stairway that curves to the second level. (Two architects were visiting while I was there and we were all snapping photos of this singular space for about 30 minutes.) Unfortunately, almost all of the collection was under wraps as much of it was being reinstalled. It was incredibly frustrating not to see but just a few of the ceramic items for which the Everson specializes.
This wonderful museum seems adrift. It seems begging for a monetary and curatorial intervention. While I departed in discouragement, I remain optimistic because I.M. Pet’s creation can’t be ignored forever.

I’m a bit disappointed with our most recent visit, although I have hopes this beautiful museum will improve. Perhaps I just happened to visit in a very transitional time, regardless the installations were poor and the permanent collection was limited. I did find the installation consisting of the museums staff interesting and a few very nice pieces. The Gods and Monsters installation was good, but displayed in a frustrating way. I can’t imagine how accessible it would have been had more than three people tried to view it with any depth. There were two loose leaf keys to the portraiture and artist. Really? I hate where’s Waldo.
The bathroom in the lower level was in extremely poor condition. It needs updating badly, but on a very basic level it needs a proper cleaning. The sinks were so filthy, as was the rest of the facility. Surprising and gross.
As I related this visit to friends later, I learned there is a new director at the Museum. I’m hoping things improve and today isn’t a sign of what’s to come.

Enjoyed a recent visit here with my Mother. Friendly staff — went on a Friday morning, think we were the first visitors to the museum. Felt like a private viewing. Small but worth a stop if you’re in the area and have an hour or so to spend. Enjoyed waiting for the museum to open — able to sit outside near a beautiful fountain and sculptures.

If you’re in Syracuse, broke, and/​or into ceramics, do NOT miss this pay-​as-​you-​wish museum. On the lowest floor are some of the most astonishing and varied clay masterpieces by artists all over the world. Yes, there is beautiful pottery. But there are sculptures made to resemble cardboard, leather, wood, styrofoam, and all manner of other media. On upper levels are rotating exhibits, some ancient art, modern paintings like what one would see in NYC’s Whitney, and a gallery full of Tiffany glass. There is also an interactive and educational section for kids (and kids at heart).

Beautiful place inside with a welcoming environment

It is a good place to spend a few hours. We don’t go too often. Only when there is an exhibit that really interests us. The price is great. Free or donation.
They do have a huge collection of ceramics. One of their sponsors is Syracuse China which explains the size of the collection. It’s interesting.
We enjoy going on a lazy day.

I have not been to the Everson in many years. However, the building is an I.M. Pei. It is kind of cool that Syracuse is home to a great work of Architecture. I.M. Pei also designed the S.I. Newhouse building on the Syracuse University Campus in 1964 which is probably why he was picked to design the Everson in 1968.
The building itself is probably the most important piece in the collection. However, there are often traveling displays that travel through on a regular basis. Having Syracuse University in the middle of the City really helps supports the arts.