Since 1970, the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings has been a destination for people from around the world to enjoy the artistic legacy of South Dakota in all its diversity. Seven galleries feature 12-15 new exhibits every year featuring a wide variety of artworks and themes, many with ties to South Dakota and others that bring international perspectives. Exhibitions are curated from the museum’s extensive collection of Harvey Dunn and Paul Goble, Native American art, Marghab Linens, fine art posters from the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s in the Cockerline Collection, as well as from the museum’s wide connections to emerging and internationally known artists and traveling exhibitions.

The museum has more than 7,000 objects in its collection including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, textiles and ceramics. The Museum Store features jewelry, pottery, and original works of art by local and regional artists in addition to books on South Dakota history and culture.

The South Dakota Art Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This accreditation recognizes the museum’s commitment and demonstration of the highest professional standards for education, public service and collections care. The museum is consistently recognized for the quality of its exhibitions and educational programs, including being named one of the top 25 museums and galleries in the U.S. in 2017-2021 by American Art Awards.