The South Dakota Art Museum is home to over 7,000 artifacts, including stunning collections from South Dakota artists Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe, along with a display of fine linens known for gracing the homes of diplomats, royalty and others who admire their intricate detail. Between the permanent displays and exciting rotating exhibits, there’s always something new to explore.
Start by discovering the Marghab Linen collection crafted by native embroiderers of the island of Madeira. Learn about Watertown native Vera Way Marghab, the South Dakotan who, with her husband, established the company and supervised designs for nearly three decades. The collection consists of hundreds of patterns and almost 2,800 individual pieces, making it the largest and most complete collection of Marghab Linens in the world.
Next, dive into the largest collection of illustrations by Harvey Dunn. Don’t miss his iconic The Prairie is My Garden piece which captures the spirit of South Dakota. A few steps away, you will find 27 paintings by Oscar Howe, the Sioux artist known for depicting his Dakota heritage through his own modernistic style.
Along the way, don’t miss Paul Goble’s illustration before admiring the latest exhibits on display.
Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by the museum gift shop. Many of the items are created by local artists, providing a perfect made-in-South Dakota memento.
Enjoy live music performances at the Anderson Plaza during the summer or unwind after traveling with a relaxing yoga session in the gallery. “We always want everyone from ages 3 to 103 to find something at the museum,” says Donna Merkt, Art Museum Director.
In addition to the exhibits, join in the education and fun by attending workshops and artist receptions held in the museum year-round.
For more information on the upcoming exhibits and events in 2025, be sure to visit the museum’s website.
Part of the Great 8 Passport
*This story has been written in collaboration with South Dakota State University‘s Public Relations class for our 2025 Visitor Guide. Read the guide here.*
