Idaho State Museum to showcase Art of Deco, an exhibit dedicated to iconic design of the 1920s and ‘30s

By: Mia Maldonado - June 23, 2022 4:00 am

The original Idaho State Museum’s building façade captures art deco style in the Gem State. (Courtesy of the Idaho State Museum)

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This Saturday, the Idaho State Museum will open its newest temporary exhibition, The Art of Deco.

For the next six months, the exhibit will showcase art deco, a popular design that first appeared in the 1920s and 1930s. Its iconic style defined the era with its use of geometric shapes, stylized figures and decorative elements.

The exhibit will showcase over 40 objects, including a flapper-style gown, children’s toys, “mummy’s beads” and more.

Community members can explore the history of art deco with a digital StoryMap made by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office. The StoryMap offers an in-gallery tour of art deco architecture throughout the state. From the Idaho State Museum’s original building to the Boundary County Courthouse, the Art of Deco exhibit will teach guests how to identify art deco design throughout the Gem State.

The museum will offer all-ages public programming to explore the collection, including the recurring Family Second Saturday program that will take place on July 9.

Museum admission includes access to the Art of Deco exhibit. Idaho State Historical Society members receive free admission to the museum.

More details of the exhibit are listed below:

The Art of Deco

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
When: June 25, 2022 to Jan. 14, 2023
Where: Idaho State Museum, 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise

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Mia Maldonado

Mia Maldonado joined the Idaho Capital Sun after working as a breaking news reporter at the Idaho Statesman covering stories related to crime, education, growth and politics. She previously interned at the Idaho Capital Sun through the Voces Internship of Idaho, an equity-driven program for young Latinos to work in Idaho news. Born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Mia moved to the Treasure Valley for college where she graduated from the College of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international political economy.