Kirk Hallman, Executive Director of the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA), has spent over a decade steering one of Michigan’s most treasured cultural institutions. Now, the museum is on the brink of a major transformation that will not only double its physical footprint but also expand its reach and impact on Muskegon’s community and beyond. In a recent interview, Kirk shared his vision for the museum’s future, the challenges and triumphs of the museum’s expansion, and the broader importance of arts and culture.

A Century-Old Legacy with a Modern Vision

Founded in 1912, the Muskegon Museum of Art has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape. “We’ve been around 112 years,” Kirk explained, emphasizing that the museum was built with the purpose of collecting and preserving art. “Right out of the gate, they were an aggressive collecting art museum,” he said, highlighting the museum’s deep-rooted commitment to acquiring significant works​.

The museum’s collection today includes an impressive range of American art, European works, Japanese prints, and African American art. Kirk shared the museum’s pride in owning pieces by renowned artists like Edward Hopper, stating, “We’re the only art museum in Michigan that has an Edward Hopper.” This collection, combined with their forward-thinking acquisition strategy, ensures that the museum will continue to be a beacon for contemporary and historical art lovers.

Impacting the Community Through Art and Education

The Muskegon Museum of Art’s role goes far beyond being a repository of great works. Its impact on the local community is profound, from economic contributions to educational outreach. “We’ve been measured at having about a $56 million direct economic impact on the community per year,” Kirk shared​. This economic influence underscores the importance of arts institutions in small and mid-sized cities, not only as cultural hubs but as drivers of local economies.

The museum’s education programs play a central role in fostering a love of art in younger generations. Kirk discussed initiatives such as STEAM-based education (adding the Arts to STEM programs), which are particularly attractive to local businesses looking to support arts integration. He also highlighted a program called Aesthetic Education, which partners with Lincoln Center to provide immersive art experiences for students. “It’s very successful. You can see a quiet bunch of kids coming in, engaging with the art,” Kirk noted, emphasizing the transformative power of arts education​.

A Transformative Expansion

The Museum is in the midst of a major expansion that will nearly double its size, adding 26,000 square feet to its existing 30,000-square-foot facility. The expansion is a response to both the museum’s growing collection and the increasing demand for more exhibition and community spaces. “We’re adding four new galleries,” Kirk explained, “including a 5,000-square-foot gallery for major shows.”

This expansion will also include two new classrooms, a redesigned museum store, event space, and new collection storage. The additional space is designed to enhance the museum’s ability to rotate exhibitions and bring in blockbuster shows, such as a Julia Child immersive exhibition and a Disney exhibition slated for next year. “It’s going to knock people’s socks off,” Kirk said, expressing his excitement for the museum’s future​.

Lessons Learned from a Major Capital Campaign

For Kirk, leading the museum through a capital campaign and construction project of this scale has been both a challenge and a learning experience. The campaign, which has raised over $15 million, faced setbacks due to global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and construction cost escalations. “We went out to bid, and we were $7 million over what our professional pricing estimators said we would be,” Kirk recalled. But through persistence, transparency with donors, and strong community partnerships, the project is now on schedule and on budget​.

Kirk’s advice to others considering a large-scale project? “You just can’t get discouraged. You’ve got to keep pushing,” he said, stressing the importance of resilience and strong board support. His experience with the museum’s expansion has taught him that success comes from institutional readiness, community engagement, and building trust with donors​.

The Power of Arts and Culture in Muskegon

Ultimately, Kirk’s vision for the Muskegon Museum of Art reflects the broader role of arts and culture in building vibrant, sustainable communities. “The leaders understand the impact this has not only culturally, quality of life, but directly on their bottom line,” Kirk said​. The museum’s expansion will not only enhance Muskegon’s cultural offerings but also contribute to talent retention, economic growth, and the overall well-being of the city.

As the museum prepares for its grand opening in February 2025, the future looks bright. The expanded Muskegon Museum of Art will continue to be a vital cultural institution for Muskegon, the state of Michigan, and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Written by Josh Holliday