The Butler Institute of American Art is a magnificent and shining gem. Deceiving in its size as viewed from the road, Google Maps, and even from the imagery on their own homepage, ‘The Butler’ as it is commonly referred to has an extensive collection spread out over two floors in its main building (with three floors of art in the newly opened and quite modern attached-annex), and in several wonderful galleries in the upper floor of the church next door (accessed by an impressive glass-enclosed elevated walkway). Masterpieces by Winslow Homer, Fitz Hugh Lane, Robert Vonnoh, Thomas Cole, Herman Herzog, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, and Albert J. Bierstadt are among the vast collection that spans centuries (18th to current) and genres (Impressionism to Modern, and a combination of Art and Technology). I was lucky enough to see a special exhibit of art by Tony Bennett, which included quite a few wonderful pieces.

Parking is free, and on the ride side of the main building (the gate at the guard shack will automatically raise for you as you drive up to it). Employee parking is on the left side of the main building, and the security guard on duty appeared to be taking down license plate numbers so maybe don't park there.

The entrance to the museum is through a set of double-doors on the front porch, itself framed by two gorgeous columns and a tiled deep-blue and mosaic ornate ceiling. There is an information desk to the left with free gallery floor plans and other literature, as well as a visitor registry, and to the right is the security desk. Admission is free. There is a donation box in front of you as you enter the foyer. Just ahead of the foyer is the Fine Art store (visit this last), and the elevator to the upstairs exhibits.

The best way to see the museum is to start with the galleries to the left as you enter the museum and go clockwise through the main galleries that surround the great two-story main hall. After this I would suggest heading into the new annex and see everything there, on all three floors. Next, tour the exhibits in the great hall in the main building – first floor, then the second floor, followed by the galleries on the second floor that surround the great hall, and then proceed via the glass walkway into the galleries in the church.

There is a small, well-lit café and a gift shop on the main floor at the rear of the museum. Both are well worth stopping in for a visit. Rest rooms are on the second floor just off of the elevators.

If you truly enjoy art, and are the type of person that will stand there and appreciate a piece you love while becoming absorbed into it, allow about three hours to tour the museum.

This museum is well worth your time. I drove three hours one-way from north-central West Virginia and was extremely happy that I took the time (on my birthday) to visit this wonderful American treasure. Highly recommended.