The Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, Montana, combines contemporary art galleries with a public-facing art-storage facility. It is about 2.4 miles from WoodSpring Suites Billings.
- Address: 401 North 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101
- Two publicly accessible buildings: the main museum and the Visible Vault
- Founded in 1964
What to see at the Yellowstone Art Museum
The Yellowstone Art Museum describes itself as Montana’s Contemporary Art Museum. Its collection exceeds 7,300 objects and includes the Virginia Snook Collection, the largest public gathering of Will James drawings, paintings, books and memorabilia, according to the Montana tourism listing.
Make time for the Visible Vault, where you can observe collection storage and preservation. It is the museum’s second publicly accessible building, at 505 North 26th Street. The museum’s two-building setup gives you both gallery displays and a look at the work involved in caring for art.
If you’re planning to visit more than one institution, the guide to museums in Billings covers other nearby options.
Hours, admission and visitor access
Opening hours and admission differ by day and visitor category, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Monday, Tuesday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
For visitors from outside Yellowstone County, admission is $8 for adults and $6 for seniors. Admission is free for Yellowstone County residents, people 18 or under, and guests with a student ID.
The museum says its buildings are accessible, with elevators or lifts, accessible restrooms and wheelchair-accessible parking. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow at the main museum, and bench seating is available in the galleries and at the Visible Vault. Request custom-access tours two weeks in advance. Service animals are accepted; emotional-support animals are not.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the galleries. Personal, noncommercial photography is encouraged, but flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Schedule photo shoots and portrait sessions in advance; a fee may apply.
How do you get to the museum from the hotel?
The main museum is at 401 North 27th Street, and free visitor parking is on the east side of the campus, accessible from North 27th Street or North 26th Street. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Coming from Interstate 90? Take the 27th Street interchange and continue north to 4th Avenue North; the museum is at the corner of 4th Avenue and North 27th Street. The phone number is 406.256.6804.
Planning an art-museum stop downtown
Use the museum’s guide and map to plan your visit; you can download them in advance or pick them up at the main information desk. Since the main museum and Visible Vault are at separate street addresses, account for both if you want to see each building.
The museum is a downtown cultural stop, and the practical guide to downtown Billings can help you plan the surrounding part of your visit.
FAQs
What is the Visible Vault?
It is an art-storage facility where visitors can observe collection storage and preservation. The building is at 505 North 26th Street.
Is parking available at the Yellowstone Art Museum?
Yes. Visitor parking is free on the east side of the museum campus, with access from North 27th Street or North 26th Street.
Can you borrow a wheelchair at the museum?
Yes. Wheelchairs and walkers are available at the main museum, and a limited number of wheelchairs are also available at the admissions desk.