The Museum

The Powers Art Center opened in July 2014 as a model of sustainability, making use of solar and geothermal systems, as well as local building materials.

It has been described as “a world-class museum in a cow pasture,” and it truly is a work of art in itself. The building, designed by Hiroshi Nanamori with ArchiPrime Inc. in Tokyo, seamlessly integrates with the rugged landscape of Carbondale, giving the impression that this 15,000-sq.-ft. sandstone cube has ascended from the bedrock beneath green pasture to perfectly frame Mount Sopris within its pergola. Like a literal expression of a Japanese haiku, the indoor-outdoor space juxtaposes the hard, immutable mountain with soft, shifting patterns of light that dance across the water. The building is a triumph of modern, minimalist architecture. It draws attention to the surrounding geography and the art within, not its presence.

The museum is a physical representation of the Powers’ legacy—an expression of their desire to share their love of art, and help new, young audiences experience art for the first time. This is why admission is free. We believe the Center is an asset to the community and we invite people from all walks of life to engage with it through tours, hands-on workshops, internships (coming soon), and educational programming. We work closely with local schools to help build on themes of classroom instruction. Visiting the Powers Art Center aids visual learning, enhances cultural awareness.

In the first-floor gallery, visitors will find rotating exhibits of prominent artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, Roy Lichtenstein, and more. The four upper galleries are devoted to the museum’s featured artist, Jasper Johns, and represent his work from 1960 to 2020. The Jasper Johns’ Study Center provides art students, historians, and researchers with a peaceful, intimate workspace and one-of-a-kind resources.