Musings • July 2024

Free Tour Opportunities in July

Courthouse Square Walking Tour

Saturday, July 13, 11a

Take a walk with PoCo Muse Executive Director Kevin Matthew Pazour on Saturday, July 13, to hear stories about notable buildings along the courthouse square. The tour will begin at 11a outside the PoCo Muse in downtown Valparaiso and circle the courthouse square.

Late Afternoon Museum Tours

Thursdays at 5p

Take advantage of our extended Thursday evening hours this summer and stop by the museum on your way to dinner in downtown Valparaiso. Each Thursday at 5p we will host a free guided tour of one of our three exhibitions. The focus will rotate weekly, so come back often!

Guided Museum Tours

Saturdays at 2p

Since the summer of 2022, we have offered this free weekly guided tour of the PoCo Muse exhibits. This is a great way to supplement your family’s weekend visit with more insight and detail.

Please note: No need to RSVP for these tours, although we ask that you arrive a few minutes before the start time as a courtesy to the other attendees.

WHAT TO DO

Courthouse Square Walking Tour

Saturday, July 13, 11a

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

PoCo Muse Pop-Up at the Porter County Fair: Against the Grain

Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 27, 12-9p

Porter County Fairgrounds, 217 E.

Division Road, Valparaiso, IN

Late Afternoon Museum Tour

Thursdays, 5p

Through August 29

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

Extended Evening Hours

Thursdays, Open 11a-6p

May 30 through August 29

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

Complimentary Guided Museum Tour

Saturdays at 2p

PoCo Muse

No RSVP Required

Family Activity Sundays

Sundays from 11a-4p

PoCo Muse

New Activities Each Week!

WHAT TO SEE

Against the Grain

Through October 6

Against the Grain bring together objects in the collection made from wood. This featured exhibit explores the wide-ranging dimensions of working with the material and surveys the themes that emerge as artists and craftspeople grapple with its possibilities.

Montague/Urschel Gallery

The Drama of the Dunes

Through August 25

The Indiana Dunes have long invited artists to express their passion for the natural world. This exhibit presents of selection of works by regional artists inspired by the Dunes.

Robert Cain Gallery

Connections: Permanent Collection

Take a closer look. Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising ways. The objects may appear different at first glance, but after closer consideration, they may reveal important relationships.

Eunice Slagle Gallery

Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor

The Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor was displayed on the courthouse square from 1943 until 1973 in commemoration of the Valparaiso citizens who contributed to the war effort during World War II. It was installed in the PoCo Muse in December 2022.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Muse News: July through September 2024

Stay up-to-date with all that’s happening at the PoCo Muse by checking out our most recent newsletter, Muse News.

PoCo Muse Magazine: Issue No. 7

The digital version PoCo Muse Magazine is free to read for everyone. This issue highlights the stories of three Porter County heroes and pioneers.

Looking Back: July 1924

Each day on social media, the PoCo Muse looks back by featuring century-old historical excerpts selected from the Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspapers.

At the Intersection of Art & History

The 25-minute video slideshow called "At the Intersection of Art & History" presents highlights from our permanent art collection and spotlights a few common themes found in the artworks.

A circa 1911 postcard of the Porter County Court House, from the Mockler Collection; an unindentified man walking down the steps of the courthouse, undated; “The Tradesman” by John J. Habela, relief carving in oak, 1991; "On Mt. Holden," J. H. Euston (1892-1965). Drypoint on paper, circa 1935; PoCo Mouse celebrating Independence Day, created by Ashley Vernon in 2024; a rosewood rosary belonging to the Bailly Family, circa late 1800s; an undated and untitled painting of the Indiana Dunes by David Sander (1923-1999); installation view of Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor, 2023.