The Springfield Museum of Art exists for the collection, exhibition, and preservation of certain works of art for the benefit of the public, encouragement of the education, participation in, and the enjoyment and appreciation of the arts.

It started with the organization of the Springfield Art Associated in 1946. It is composed of a group of concerned artists and citizens who brought up the idea of having a visual arts facility in the community because it was needed by the community. At first, exhibitions were held in in the buildings of supportive area businesses in 1946. Later on, the association was able to lease its own gallery spaces until the first component of the current facility was completed in 1967.

It began holding a series of workshops featuring nationally acclaimed artists. The Museum?s name was later on changed to Springfield Art Center before changing again for the last time into the Springfield Museum of Art. Over time, the Museum began to grow as it received an outstanding collection American and European works from 19th and 20th century.

Today, the Museum is focused on building its collections and audiences after surviving the global financial shutdown.