Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the relationship between the Demuth Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art?

A. In 2014, after years of research and discussion, the Lancaster Museum of Art merged with the Demuth Foundation into one nonprofit structure. Both museums maintain separate facilities and collections, but share staff and a board of trustees. 

We are two museums with one mission-- to promote the appreciation and awareness of the visual arts in Lancaster. The Foundation’s work is trifold and encompasses the past through the preservation of Charles Demuth’s legacy and art, the present through the support of current local and regional artists, and the future through inspiring a new generation of creatives and artists. The Lancaster Museum of Art has a 50+ year history of promoting local artists, and Charles Demuth is undeniably Lancaster’s most famous artist.

Q. What are your hours?

A. Full information on museum hours are available under Hours & Locations. Please note that the Demuth Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art are closed to the public between exhibitions for installation. Check our Demuth Museum Exhibition Calendar and Lancaster Museum of Art Exhibition Calendar to see if we are currently closed for installation.

Q. Where do I park?

A. Metered parking is available throughout downtown Lancaster, as well as parking garages. We have a list of nearby parking garages and information on the Lancaster Parking Authority under Parking Information.

Q. What is in the Lancaster Museum of Art collection?

A. The Lancaster Museum of Art’s collection contains over 400 pieces representing 200+ artists. Most works are 2D paintings, drawings, and collages, though we do have ceramic, wood, and metal sculptures. The collection is periodically displayed in special exhibitions. A long-term goal for our organization is to have the full collection accessible online.

Q. How do you pronounce Demuth?

A. In Lancaster, the typical pronunciation is “De-MOOTH,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. It is believed that this English pronunciation of the German name gained popularity around WWI as a way of distinguishing that the family was American, not German. The traditional German pronunciation is “DeeMutt,” and many art historians and scholars outside of Lancaster use an adaptation of this pronunciation when referring to Charles. “DEE-myth” emphasizes the first syllable and there are arguments that the “DEE-myth” is the pronunciation Charles preferred. His nicknames include “Deem” and when he etched his name on the windowpane at Sunnyside Farm, he spelled it “C-h-a-r-l-i-e D-E-m-u-t-h.”

Q. Can you appraise or authenticate my artwork?

A. No. As a nonprofit organization, we are unable to appraise or authenticate artwork. We recommend these resources if seeking information on art authentication:

Q. Can I donate artwork for your collections?

A. The Board of Trustees and Collections Committee reviews and approves all donations for acquisition to our art collections. If you are interested in donating a piece, please email the artist name, work’s title, medium, date produced, provenance (chronology of ownership), and at least 1 photo to information@demuth.org.

Q. How do I get my work or collection exhibited?

A. The Demuth Foundation has an Exhibitions Committee that assists the Executive Director and staff in selecting exhibitions. Like most museums, the Foundation’s exhibition calendar is planned 2-4 years in advance. If you have an idea for an upcoming show, you may submit your suggestion through our online Exhibition Proposal Form. No mailed or hand-delivered entries will be accepted.

Q. Is the Tobacco Shop open?

A. The Demuth Tobacco shop is no longer an active store, and tobacco products are not available to purchase. Occasionally, the space is opened for special events at the Demuth Foundation. A display in the storefront window at 114 East King Street, Lancaster, offers viewers information about the shop and historic artifacts.

Q. Why Aren’t there more Demuth pieces on display?

A. The Demuth Foundation has a permanent collection of over 55 works, and we display 8-12 works at a time. Charles Demuth frequently used paper to create his art, so the majority of our permanent collection is works on paper (i.e.- watercolors and drawings). Works on paper present limitations on their display, as paper fades and deteriorates over time. Therefore, in order to protect our collection of original Demuth works on paper, we only display each piece for a short period of time and rotate works out of special storage designed to preserve their condition as best as possible for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. We also control light exposure in our galleries through dimmers and motion sensors, and special light fixtures with UV filters for this reason.

Still have a question for us? Give us a call at 717.299.9940, or contact us through the form below: