Business Details
Your Premier Historic Art Gallery in New Brighton
As a historic art gallery in New Brighton, PA, Merrick Art Gallery has dedicated itself to promoting artistic excellence and community engagement for over a century. Our mission centers on showcasing diverse artistic talent through curated exhibitions that feature both emerging creators and timeless masterpieces from renowned European and American artists. Housed in a National Register of Historic Places-listed building originally constructed as a railroad station in 1851, we provide unique cultural experiences through our permanent collection, special exhibits, and educational programs.We offer venue rentals for weddings and events within our beautifully preserved Edwardian spaces, combining historical ambiance with modern amenities. Our dedicated staff maintains regular gallery hours Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm, ensuring accessible art appreciation opportunities for local residents and regional visitors alike.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Event Rentals
Historical Tours
Art Classes
Museum Access
Highlights and features
- We offer over 140 years of artistic heritage in a historic landmark building
- Our collection includes Hudson River School masterpieces and Stephen Foster's original piano
- We provide unique event spaces combining historical ambiance with modern amenities
- Our Edwardian Period rooms showcase authentic 19th-century design and decor
- We maintain community-focused programming with art classes and local exhibitions
Associations and certifications
- National Register of Historic Places
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our curated art exhibitions feature Hudson River School masterpieces, European classical works, and contemporary creations. Rotating displays include French, German, and American paintings from 18th-19th centuries alongside modern artist showcases. The collection includes pieces by Durand, Courbet, and Stephen Foster's original piano.
Event Rentals
Historic venue rentals combine Edwardian elegance with modern amenities across multiple spaces. The Main Gallery accommodates 100 guests with chair setup, while the Garden/Patio space hosts 150 guests outdoors. All rentals include kitchen access, restrooms, and AV equipment for weddings and special events.
Historical Tours
Guided tours explore our National Register-listed building's 1851 railroad station origins and Edwardian period renovations. Visitors discover art collections spanning romantic, realistic, and impressionistic styles alongside historical artifacts like the Stephen Foster piano in the Eva Mae Merrick Music Room.
Art Classes
Educational programs provide art instruction for all skill levels within our historic setting. Classes cover various mediums and techniques while drawing inspiration from our permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. Workshops emphasize both technical skill development and artistic expression.
Museum Access
Free public access to our permanent collection includes 19th-century paintings, a rock and mineral collection, and historical library materials. Regularly scheduled visiting hours allow exploration of both art galleries and preserved architectural elements from the building's original 1851 construction.
Questions
What are the gallery's regular visiting hours?
We're open Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm. The gallery is closed Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Can I rent the space for a private event?
Yes, we offer rentals for weddings, showers, and corporate events in multiple spaces including our Main Gallery, Edwardian Room, and Garden/Patio areas.
What historical significance does the building have?
Our building began as a Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad station (1851), later becoming a private art collection space in 1880. It's listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
What art collections are featured?
Our permanent collection includes Hudson River School paintings by Durand and Moran, European masterpieces from Courbet and Winterhalter, and Stephen Foster's original piano.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card payments with a 3% processing fee, or check payments for those preferring traditional methods.
How does the tunnel preservation project work?
Our fundraising initiative seeks community support to explore and preserve a historic underground tunnel at $805 per foot. Donations help maintain New Brighton's historical heritage.
Reviews (6)
Halloween
Jan 18, 2022
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The Merrick Art Gallery is an absolute gem here in Beaver County! Great walk through and then have lunch nearby! We did that today and had a terrific time!
Catie W.
Sep 13, 2021
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If you havent been, it is worth a stop! Beautiful artwork, design in structure and is a great place to have any event!
Jeff Blackburn
Sep 05, 2021
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We enjoyed the visit but I wish there had been a little bit more information on the art and history of the gallery.
Andrea Decker
Aug 14, 2021
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Absolutely beautiful historical place as well. I very much enjoy the art work of oil and water color painting on canvases
Thomas Clark
Jun 27, 2020
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Amazing treasure! A beautiful and varied collection of oil paintings nestled in a re-purposed train station that I wouldnt have expected to find in our locale. They have free admission and a friendly staff! My only complaint is that weve attempted to visit several times and they were closed despite us arriving during published hours of opening, so a call-ahead might be warranted.
Ivan
Sep 01, 2019
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Merrick is a small, free gallery featuring portraits and genre pieces. In particular, there are several portraits of women that I found appealing. There are a few stunning pieces, such as Shipwrecked, Death of Virginia. a portrait of Princess Louise, Daughter of Queen Victoria and Pensive (attached pix). The gallery is well worth spending a couple hours enjoying.