Park City Arts Scene: Museums and Galleries for Local Culture

As home to the star-studded Sundance Film Festival, Park City is no stranger to the arts. Some 125,000 people attend that event, but it’s the Park City arts scene that keeps people coming back. Alive with historical culture and local influence, these attractions showcase what it truly takes to create a masterpiece. Keep reading about the Park City arts scene and where to go.

Park City Arts Scene: Top 7 Art Galleries and Museums

Park City Museum

Main Street – a center for arts and culture in Park City – houses several museums and galleries. One popular spot is Park City Museum, which aims to preserve, protect and promote the area’s history and heritage. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits. Together, they highlight important events and locals who helped it grow into a top ski destination.

A few examples include: recreated railcars that once carried people and mail, mine displays, a skier subway, mineral wealth, and early life. In addition, Park City Museum houses Tozar Gallery. This artsy attraction showcases children’s art and guest exhibits.

Alf Engen Ski Museum

Love skiing? Don’t miss Alf Engen Ski Museum and George Eccles 2002 Winter Olympic Games Museum. Admission to both is free, and they provide insight into the sport and athletes who helped make it great.

Alf Engen Ski Museum offers exhibits covering everything from early skiers to ski fashion and hometown heroes. For interactive fun, try the ski jump simulator and Wasatch Mountains map that comes alive for visitors.

Then get a behind-the-scenes look at the winter Olympics. George Eccles 2002 Winter Olympic Games Museum features Olympic and Paralympic medals, competitions, and athletes who participated in this historic event.

Kimball Art Center

Kimball Art Center ranks as one of the largest centers for art in Park City. The center educates and inspires resident artists and guests through events, classes, exhibitions and community. Visitors receive free admission, allowing them to browse displays in different mediums.

Past exhibitions include: ink for Alaska, innovations in clay, popped and twister, wildlife, iconic artists, and landscapes. In addition to changing exhibits, Kimball Arts Museum has over 300 classes a year for adults, children, beginners and skilled artists.

If vacationing in August, attend Kimball Arts Festival. The event draws some 50,000 people and 200-plus artists from the U.S. The festival also serves as the center’s primary fundraiser. Tickets cost $5-$12 per person, and three-day passes are available.

McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery

Located on Main Street, McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery features the award-winning work of Jared and Trish McMillen. At this gallery, Mother Nature is the star. Find landscapes that showcase Park City’s beauty in new ways. Their portfolio includes panoramic shots, wildlife, horses and large pieces for local inspiration.

Photographers of all ages can also book a private photography tour. Half- and full-day options are available, and participants explore Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. Just remember appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, snacks, water, and camera and tripod.

Meyer Gallery

Meyer Gallery ranks as another must-see on Main Street. For over 50 years, this attraction has brought contemporary art to Utah. The gallery showcases over 40 different artists and includes representational and abstract pieces. In addition to resident art, Meyer Gallery also spotlights featured artists. Several exhibits support solo artists and up-and-coming stars.

Park City Fine Art

While on Main Street, visit Park City Fine Art. The gallery showcases paintings, sculptures and Western art by local artists. At any given time, over 20 artists are exhibited and change on a regular basis. While browsing their collection, ask for suggestions and consider taking a piece home. Park City Fine Art also hosts events and offers services, including private sales, estate services and emerging artists.

PROTHRO Gallery

With a focus on art and a casual environment, PROTHRO Gallery offers a boutique-style fine art gallery. This family-owned gallery is run by locals who have been in the Park City arts scene for over 10 years. While browsing, see pieces representing abstract, contemporary and vintage styles. Each artist has been hand-picked by PROTHRO Gallery.

After exploring the Park City arts scene, discuss the artists at these Park City dinner restaurants.

Want a true local experience? Stay in a historic Main Street rental.