c.m. russell museum

I'm not a fan of Charlie Russell,read his life story. Everyone in Great Falls makes such a big to do about Charlie Russell I will keep my ionion about the man to myself. Charlie was not a good business man Nancy, his wife was the entrepreneur . The Chamber of Commerce had an event at the Russell so I decided to cure my curiosity since there was no entry fee involved. . I'm so glad I did. The paintings by other artists were beautiful, the sculptures were amaing, downstairs the floor is rigged with a device that sets off the sound of a buffalo stampede, the whole floor shakes and the sound system is very realistic. The exhibits on Native American Clothing and Western clothing were very good. The musuem has the horse drawn hearse that carried his body to Highland Cemetary on display, It is glass enclosed and very beautiful.I was surprised at how large the museum store was, I was not greeted when I entered (that should have told me something) and also after spending perhaps 20-30 minutes looking at all they had to offer not one of their sales people offered any sort of help. They were too busy oogling the new merchandise that had arrived earlier in the day to pay any attention to me or the other lady that was in the store. Needless to say I will never darken thieir doorway again. I saw a couple of things that would have made great Christmas gifts but oh well I guess I was not important enough to be waited on.

Really enjoyed the museum, only 2 gripes about our visit. The house that CM Russell grew up in is immediately next to the Museum but not accessible & my wife, with her natural curiosity was disappointed (could be there is nothing inside) The weekend we visited, some of the museum was not accessible due to them preparing for an auction. Over all, we had a good time there, the workshop / studio is fascinating.

this is an amazing museum it has lots of bronzes and paintings. there is also a child's play area and a fabulous museum shop

With Charlie's home and log studio on the same block in Great Falls, the museum really comes to life. Built down instead of up, you descend into Charlie's life. Not the most savvy guy as far as money was concerned, his wife was the real entrepreneur. In addition to the fantastic collection of his paintings and sculptures, there is a good Browning gun collection as well as a traveling exhibit area. When we were there last, Warhol was on display. DO NOT MISS THIS as you travel through Montana.

I have always been a big fan of Charles Russell's work so when visiting MT I made a point of visiting his home and studio. I was not disappointed. I loved every minute of it and highly urge anyone, fan of Russell or not, take the time to visit this national treasure!

Take your time going through the museum and studio. It's well worth it. We got in late and staff welcomed us to come back the next morning to go through everything again with more time and no extra fees. CMR - excellent and breathtaking displays. Personal illustrated letters very well displayed. Books available are very reasonably priced. Sculpture is worth looking at up close and personal!! Native American displays the best we've seen in 20 years of traveling the western US.

This is a must see if you visit the area. This museum is one of the best I have seen for a long time. It is not too large, just the right amount of space to showcase the artist and his work. The staff is great and you get an all day pass with your admission.

Being a former Rustler, visited this when we came back for a visit. It did not disappoint. Russell was a great landscape artist and we enjoyed our time there.

In addition to the art museum you get to tour Charlie's log cabin studio and it is a plus. Many artifacts from his time are preserved here.

Love the facility - well organized - something for everyone. Found being there mid-day in October it wasn't crowded and easy to maneuver.

Had a great time going back to this museum with friends from out of state. Clearly the premier collection of CMR art, information and history. Always a treat to go into his log cabin studio, see the art and smell the smells. His horse-drawn hearse always brings a tear. Wish I could have met him. Definitely a don't miss if you are in the area/ town.

This is an incredible art exhibit of western art! You will rarely see thus much western Art in one place?

Not normally a huge museum person but this was a very enjoyable visit. Wonderful gun collection, indian clothing/culture and bison exhibit are some of the highlights of my trip there. Oh yes, and the spectacular artwork!

This art museum is fabulous if you like CM Russell. You will need at least 2 hours to enjoy the facility. Not suitable for young children. There is nothing for children to do except run around and touch where they shouldn't. Curators had trouble with parents who didn't control their children.....no concept of proper behaviour in such a facility. The Museum portion is awesome as well. Take your time and enjoy the "whole experience".

We were greeted with 'No photos', 'No bags', No touching walls', etc. Not friendly. Of 17 galleries, 4 were closed, only 3 were Charlie Russell art and only one of their 57 Russell letters (our area of interest) were on display. The studio cabin on the grounds was wonderful. Skip this museum & go to the State Historical Museum in Helena. It has a huge Charlie Russell gallery & photos (no flash) are allowed. Plus a friendly staff.