Elmhurst Art Museum Brings Art to the Community

New Mobile Museum program shares museum pieces with local residents

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Elmhurst Art Museum has launched a new Mobile Museum program to bring artwork from its permanent collection to community groups and residents in Elmhurst, Illinois. The program, funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, aims to expand access to art education and appreciation beyond the museum's walls. The first stops for the Mobile Museum have included an elementary school and a senior living community, where residents were able to view and discuss the artwork.

Why it matters

The Mobile Museum program reflects the Elmhurst Art Museum's commitment to making art accessible to all members of the community, not just those who can visit the museum. By bringing artwork directly to residents, the program helps to engage and educate people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience contemporary art.

The details

The Mobile Museum program features a selection of 5 pieces from the Elmhurst Art Museum's permanent collection, including a reproduction of a Bernard Kleina photo from the 1960s Freedom Movement, an aquatint print by Elmhurst Art Museum founder Eleanor King Hookham, and a sculpture by Chicago artist Bernard Williams. At each stop, a museum educator provides an introduction to the artwork and invites attendees to share their reactions and interpretations.

  • The Mobile Museum program was launched in 2025 after the museum received a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
  • The program's first stop was at Conrad Fisher Elementary School in Elmhurst.
  • The second stop was at the Roosevelt at Salt Creek senior living community in Elmhurst on February 11, 2026.

The players

Elmhurst Art Museum

A local art museum in Elmhurst, Illinois that houses a permanent collection and hosts exhibitions and educational programs.

Karly Vance

The manager of education for the Elmhurst Art Museum, who oversees the Mobile Museum program.

Tam Wagner

The executive director of the Roosevelt at Salt Creek senior living community in Elmhurst.

Mary Stopka

A resident of the Roosevelt at Salt Creek senior living community who attended the Mobile Museum event.

Bernard Kleina

A photographer whose work depicting the 1960s Freedom Movement is included in the Mobile Museum collection.

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What they’re saying

“Experiences like this keep people engaged, curious and connected. Art naturally sparks conversation and memories, and that's exactly the kind of environment we strive to create here every day.”

— Tam Wagner, Executive Director, Roosevelt at Salt Creek (dailyherald.com)

“This is amazing. I see there are a lot of people here. So there's a lot of excitement about them coming here.”

— Mary Stopka, Resident, Roosevelt at Salt Creek (dailyherald.com)

What’s next

The Elmhurst Art Museum plans to continue the Mobile Museum program, taking the artwork to additional community locations in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Elmhurst Art Museum's Mobile Museum program demonstrates how art institutions can actively work to make their collections and programming accessible to all members of the community, not just those who can visit the museum in person. By bringing the art directly to residents, the program helps to spark engagement, conversation, and a deeper appreciation for contemporary art.