The Purpose of the Charles W. Clark Chateau

The Charles W. Clark Chateau is a period museum and art center. The period museum is on the second and third floors of the chateau. The rooms reflect the cultural and varied ethnic heritage of the citizens of the are. Two galleries are used to display traveling art exhibits which are usually changed on a six – week schedule by the executive director. Over 14,000 visitors from the around the world have visited the chateau on various given years. The Chateau is operated with a limited staff and the executive director – glenn bodish.

The citizens of Butte are proud of their varied ethnic heritage. From the early Irish, Finish, and Cornish imigrants of the 1880's to the Native American, indigenous to Montana, Butte is home to many cultures. The chateau has developed many relationships and ongoing programs with various groups within the area.

Events held at the Charles W. Clark Chateau in the Past

Due to lack of funding, sponsors, and interest, some of the programs are not offered by the BSBAF until more funding is available.

The chateau's Winter Gala usually occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February. The event is held with the Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. However, the event has been held at the MoFAB since 2009, because the facility at the MoFAB accommodates more guests.

In cooperation with the Butte Public Schools and Butte Central, the

Student Art Exhibit

has been held annually at the chateau. The exhibit has since been change to the

Annual Youth Art Exhibit

and works are displayed at the MoFAB and the Venus Rising Espresso House. Parents and students meet with teachers and enjoy viewing the exhibits and discussing the work at two receptions held during the six–week show. The exhibit is held from March to May each year.

The chateau's

Marionette Theatre

was a popular program. High school students write and present plays for pre–school children. Classical fairy tales, sing–a–longs, and safety messages are combined for informative and educational presentations.

The

Textile Medium

, a national level quilt show sponsored by the BSBAF was first held in the fall of 1991. Over $1,000 in awards were presented; 56 "art" quilts were displayed in the galleries of the chateau. Two days of courses on design and quilting techniques were taught by two nationally–known quilt artists. This project followed the organizing of a quilt guild by the BSBAF in 1987.

Current Events held at the Charles W. Clark Chateau

The Charles W. Clark Chateau will be open year round, however winter hours (September - May) will depend on staff availability. Summer hours run the last weekend of May to the first weekend of September.

 

Winter hours:

Monday - closed

Tues - Wedn - 10am - 2pm

Thurs - Sun - Depending on staff

Please call 406.723.7600 to ensure we will be open.

Charles W. Clark Chateau
321 W. Broadway
Butte, MT 59701
406-491-5636