Get to know Boise’s rich history through these 5 museums
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Boise is a city with a rich and diverse cultural heritage — and the best way to explore it is through its museums.
So whether you’re a lifelong resident of Boise or a newcomer getting to know the city, these museums offer a fascinating look into the city’s past, present and future:
Boise Art Museum
Art is an exploration of who we are, where we come from and where we’re going, and the exhibits at the Boise Art Museum are a perfect expression of that. In addition to having a vast collection of international and national works, the Boise Art Museum also showcases local artists, including everything from historical works to more modern and contemporary works.
Don’t miss: Experience the Northwest through the artistic expressions of notable artists from all across the region in Boise Art Museum’s permanent Northwest art exhibit.
Location: 670 S. Julia Davis Drive
Website: www.boiseartmuseum.org
Idaho State Museum
The Idaho State Museum gives visitors an immersive and interactive way to explore Idaho’s history and culture. The hands-on activities, artifacts and exhibitions share the stories in a fun and engaging way for adults and kids of all ages.
Don’t miss: The History Explorers Gallery connects visitors to the lives of people throughout the state’s history through hands-on experiences and activities.
Location: 610 Julia Davis Drive
Website: history.idaho.gov/museum
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
Boise is home to one of the largest Basque populations in the United States, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center is on a mission to preserve Basque history and culture. The museum shares the history of Basques from the Basque Country on the border of Spain and France to their lives settling in the American West.
Don’t miss: Many Basque people who immigrated to Idaho worked as sheepherders and the Artzainak: A Life of Solitude & Hard Work exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into what everyday life was like for these herders. The exhibit features an authentic sheep wagon, tree carvings made by sheepherders and photographs that depict life on the ranch and in the wilderness.
Location: 611 W. Grove St.
Website: basquemuseum.eus
Idaho Black History Museum
Inside the 100-year-old St. Paul Baptist Church is the Idaho Black History Museum, the oldest African American museum in the Pacific Northwest. Through lectures, films, workshops, outreach and literacy programs and performances, this museum brings to life the stories of Black life and history in Idaho.
Don’t miss: Most of the exhibits at the Idaho Black History Museum are new and rotate every few months, but one thing that is always on display is a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Location: 508 Julia Davis Drive
Website: www.ibhm.org
Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology
They don’t call Idaho the “Gem State” for nothing! Because Idaho is home to a wide range of rare gem stones, the state has a long history of mining. The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology is a fun way for adults and kids to learn about the state’s geological history and mining history, as well as earth science and how it applies to the unique landscapes of Idaho.
Don’t miss: Track seismic activity around the world in real time in the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology’s seismic station.
Location: 2455 Old Penitentiary Road, next to Old Penitentiary Entrance
Website: www.idahomuseum.org
