Plains Art Museum is building something that belongs to all of us. Join the Connections Campaign.
For 60 years, Plains Art Museum has been a steward of this region’s creative memory. We have preserved what connects us, shared it with the world, and kept our doors open to everyone, free of charge. Now we are ready to build what comes next.
The Connections Campaign will protect more than 6,000 irreplaceable works of art, connect two beloved buildings into one unified experience, and ensure that Plains remains North Dakota’s only accredited art museum and its first Smithsonian Affiliate for generations to come.
$5 million has been raised. Architecture and engineering plans are complete. Construction began June 2026.
This is not just a construction project. It is a commitment to this community. And it is yours to be part of.
Phase One
Plains Art Museum holds more than 6,000 works of art in trust for future generations. We have officially run out of space. Phase One expands our permanent collection storage, completes critical infrastructure upgrades, and introduces an innovative open storage concept so the public can look directly into the collection for the first time. This work also protects our national accreditation, which is contingent on completing these upgrades. Construction began June 2026.
Phase Two
The Brian J. Hayer Family Welcome Center will connect our 1997 museum building to the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity, designed by world-renowned Olson Kundig. It will exceed ADA requirements, create a luminous landmark on First Avenue, and give every visitor one clear answer before they have seen a single piece of art: you belong here.
Architecture and engineering are complete. Construction on Phase One began in June 2026. Plains Art Museum is up for reaccreditation, and that process depends on completing the collections work in Phase One. Every gift made now moves us closer to the finish line.
We have raised $5 million toward our $15 million goal. We are inviting our closest community partners to help us get there. You are not filling a gap. You are completing a vision.
Consider making our timeline your timeline.
Plains Art Museum started as the Red River Art Center.
Merges with the O’Rourke Art Gallery Museum to form the Plains Art Museum.
Completes the $2.4 million Capture the Dream campaign, relocating to a historic downtown Fargo warehouse.
Earns American Alliance of Museums accreditation. Only 3% of US museums hold this distinction.
Completes the $5 million Little Artist in All of Us campaign with the opening of the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity.
JLG named Architect of Record. Mortenson named Construction Manager at Risk.
The $15 million Connections Campaign. The largest in Plains Art Museum’s history. Yours to be part of.
Your investment protects more than 6,000 works of art and helps build a museum that belongs to everyone. Every gift, at every level, moves us forward.
Ready to learn more or talk through how you can be part of Connections? We would love to hear from you.
You do not have to be a donor to be part of this. Come back. Bring someone new. Share this page with someone who loves this community.
Erin Shapiro, Director and CEO
Megan Even, Development Director
Plains Art Museum
704 First Avenue North
Fargo, North Dakota