History

The C.M. Russell Museum opened in 1953 as the C.M. Russell Gallery. Josephine Trigg and her parents, Albert and Margaret Trigg, were Charlie and Nancy Russell's friends and neighbors. Through the many years of their friendship, the Triggs amassed a highly personal and unique collection of Russell art, which Charlie and Nancy had given to them as gifts and letters. Upon her death in 1951, Josephine bequeathed the Trigg collection to the people of Great Falls with the stipulation that a suitable facility named after Russell be established. Funds were raised and the first building opened in 1953.

The Museum's collection has grown throughout the years, and there are now approximately 2,000 Russell artworks, personal objects, and artifacts: the largest collection of such objects in the world. Additional works by American artists and a variety of objects bring the total of items in our collection to approximately 12,000.

Charlie Russell (1864-1926) came to Montana at the age of 16 in 1880 from his home in St. Louis. He worked 11 years as a cowboy before becoming a full time artist. With the help and support of his wife, Nancy Cooper Russell, he became one of the most successful artists of his time. He was a great friend and supporter of the American Indian people and is renowned for his accurate and sensitive portrayals of their way of life. Russell witnessed the end of the Old West era and mourned its passing. Russell's works enable all of us to participate in his West.

Charlie Russell's log studio, built in 1903, is on the Museum grounds and is open year round. It is said that Charlie never finished a painting anywhere else once the studio was built. The artifacts within belonged to Charlie and were used for reference in his artworks. The Russell Home, adjacent to the log studio, is open from May through September. Built in 1900 under Nancy's supervision, the house today is furnished in the period and offers our guests a glimpse of life in the early 1900s.