Bellevue Arts Museum Closes its Doors

Bellevue Arts Museum Closes its Doors 

After nearly 50 years of unwavering commitment to providing arts and cultural enrichment to the Eastside, the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) has solemnly announced its closure, effective September 4^th. This news comes after a multi-year public struggle for funding in the aftermath of the pandemic, which brought severe revenue losses for many beloved American museums. BAM fought hard to curb the effects of financial hardship on the institution, launching various fundraising campaigns over the last few years that generated modest support. Their 2024 SAVE BAM initiative generated over $350,000, allowing the museum to remain open through the first half of the year. Unfortunately, the amount raised failed to ensure its long-term future, leading it to shut its doors to the public.

As a non-profit entity, BAM has been heavily reliant on the financial support of grants, donations, and sponsorships. Yet the museum’s public history of financial hardship and mismanagement has generated wariness among larger stakeholders who could potentially intervene and offer support. Only a small number of community leaders engaged in efforts to keep BAM open, and their donations have generally been inconsistent. Executive Director Kate Casprowiak Scher expressed that choice to close was not an easy one and only came after a hard-fought fight.

“Generations of Bellevueites have supported this museum and we are deeply proud of the exhibitions and programming we have produced. Unfortunately, the financial model in the new building has never been sustainable and it has relied too heavily on “one-time” big donors,” said Scher.

Loyal museum-goers expressed their disappointment via social media, conveying their desire to continue the preservation of arts and culture in Downtown Bellevue. Many paid homage to the memories they made at BAM throughout their lives, citing the museum’s role in generating excitement about the arts for young people.

Despite this announcement, not all hope is lost. BAM’s leaders announced that the museum has filed for Receivership to protect their assets and potentially restructure the institution for future means. They will also retain a small staff to support the museum’s integral role in hosting private events and managing the iconic Arts Fair in 2025, which will continue as planned. The BDA’s own Student Showcase, a part of the Jazz & Blues Music Series, will be moved from BAM to KidsQuest Children's Museum.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported BAM over the years. Your belief in the power of art and culture has been our greatest strength, and we hope that, in time, we may find a way to bring that spirit back to life in a new and sustainable form”, said BAM’s Board President, Jay Pathy.