About the MAC
Founded in 1916, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest, serving more than 100,000 visitors a year. It is one of Washington State’s five Smithsonian affiliates and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum resides in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood of Spokane, Washington.
Commonly referred to as the “MAC,” the museum preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life. Our collection of Plateau Indian art and artifacts is the largest in the world; more than one million objects are maintained and preserved including fine art, artifacts, documents, photographs and material culture from the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The world-renowned Joel E. Ferris Research Archives offers researchers from around the world an opportunity to explore our vast collection.
Plan a visit to the 1898 Campbell House. This 13,000 square foot historic residence, designed by Kirkland Cutter, provides a firsthand experience of life in Spokane at the turn of the 20th century.
The MAC also offers Art Source (art rentals and sales), a monthly MAC After Hours, Summer and Day Camps, a MAC Café and MAC Store, and we are proud to present Spokane’s annual ArtFest, now in its 39th year.
Our Mission
To engage our audiences in the appreciation of art, history, and culture of the Inland Northwest and beyond through collection stewardship, exhibitions, and programs that enrich and inspire.
Our Vision
To be a nationally acclaimed regional cultural center through curatorial excellence, innovative programming, and by offering an extraordinary visitor experience. We aspire to be essential to the social and cultural life of our local community, and a must-see destination for visitors.
Our Values
The Museum’s leadership, staff, and volunteers are committed to operating transparently and with integrity in all matters, honoring our commitments, listening with empathy and being approachable, inclusive, and respectful of others.
Transparency and Inclusion
The Museum of Arts and Culture is a State agency committed to building a transparent and inclusive environment that welcomes and values everyone. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, transparency, diversity, and accessibility. Programs that engage all segments of our community is essential to preserve our heritage, ensure credibility and to inspire and engage future generations of learners.
Collection Stewardship
Collection stewardship is central to the museum’s mission and use of our collection is guided by preservation standards that ensure its health for generations to come. Displays of the collections change in content and theme, along with displays of Plateau Indian contemporary and traditional arts. The museum proudly balances preservation with public access by supporting loans from our collections to other museums nationwide.
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society, which operates as the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest. It is an agency of the State of Washington and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, accredited by the Alliance of American Museums and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
View our Strategic Plan