New museum opens in downtown Oregon to rave reviews

OREGON – There was quite the buzz on the main floor of the new Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana on Friday.

After almost five years of planning and construction, the public got its first look at Oregon’s newest museum.

“I think things came together rather well,” said Ron Bry, a longtime Oregon resident and vice president of the CMAAA’s Executive Committee. “We are 90% done. We just have to have the cabinets made for the Taft dioramas that the foundation has had for four years after getting them from the library in Superior, Wisconsin.”

The Taft dioramas, bought in 2019 by a local private foundation, stood by the east wall of the main floor as visitors walked through the six other display rooms to look at the museum’s current collections before learning about the Coliseum’s history in a seven-minute video.

The Coliseum opened in 1923 and served as a center of activity for the community, hosting a wide range of events including dances, concerts and basketball games. In later years, it hosted Penny Carnivals, community garage sales, quilt shows and pancake breakfasts.

Citing a lack of year-round use for the building, the CMAAA was formed in 2018 to explore a new concept and renewed life for the Coliseum.

Owned by the city of Oregon, the building was leased to the CMAAA, and its extensive renovation began.

“The CMAAA’s mission is to present art, antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music and theater,” according to the CMAAA’s website.

“It’s interesting,” said Anne Stevens, an Oregon native. “Having used this space for many different events through the years, it is nice to see it not become another empty building. I hope many people can enjoy it in many ways.”

The concept and formation of the CMAAA involved the vision and work of representatives from the city of Oregon, Oregon School District 220, the Oregon Park District, Serenity Hospice & Home, Village of Progress, the Oregon Public Library, Oregon Depot Museum, Ogle County Historical Society Museum, Chana School Museum and other community leaders.

“I think it is beautiful,” Susan Storm of Oregon said. “I really do. Everywhere you look there is something amazing.”

Marsha Behrens of the Eagle’s Nest Art Gallery echoed those sentiments.

“I just think this is a fabulous addition to our community,” she said. “I think it will keep growing, and I think there is a lot of enthusiasm for this.”

Tom Mahoney, president of the CMAAA board and District 220 superintendent, said he hopes the museum will link Oregon’s legacy of art to future generations.

“We fully anticipate cooperating with the school district,” Mahoney said. “This is an opportunity to come experience our rich history of art and give the Coliseum a second life. This was started with financial backing from a foundation, but it is going to need the community’s help to keep going.”

Oregon Mayor Ken Williams said when construction of the Coliseum began in 1922, the movie “Nosferatu” was a hit at the box office. He said that although the movie – based on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” – was scary to watch, the Coliseum will stay relevant thanks to the CMAAA.

“Today entertainment remains a cornerstone, and the CMAAA will keep the Coliseum relevant,” Williams said. “Congratulations to the CMAAA, and welcome to Oregon.”

CMAAA Executive Director Michael Glenn said the museum will serve locals and tourists alike.

“This is intended to serve those in our community and also those who visit the area for tourism,” he said, noting that exhibits will change throughout the year. “Every time you come back you are going to see something new.”

Kent Lawrence, one of the foundation founders, said community involvement will be key to the CMAAA’s future.

“The future success depends on the community as a whole and with individuals participating and spreading the word,” Lawrence said.

The CMAAA’s regular operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Additional information can be found at www.cmaaa.org and at www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum.