Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art MuseumAbout Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum is an art museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, established in 1976 and noted regionally for its focus on representational and nature-themed art. It is especially known for an annual juried exhibition that highlights artworks of birds.
The museum’s schedule typically includes rotating temporary exhibitions alongside displays drawn from its collection, and the annual bird-themed exhibition is the primary draw for visitors. Gallery spaces are arranged for short, self-guided visits and the museum hosts educational programming tied to its shows.
The institution was founded in the 1970s through the Woodson family’s efforts to create a public art museum for the Wausau area and has operated as a regional cultural center since opening. Over time it has maintained the yearly bird exhibition as a signature program while rotating other exhibitions and educational offerings.
The museum sits in the city of Wausau in Marathon County in central Wisconsin, on a wooded property within the city limits. It is easily reached from downtown Wausau by a short drive or local roads.
- Birds in Art: The museum presents an annual international juried exhibition dedicated to artworks of birds that is the institution’s best-known program.
- Setting: The museum building sits on a wooded lot in central Wausau, making the grounds and nearby walks convenient for short visits.
What to See#
- Birds in Art exhibition: Home to the museum’s signature annual juried exhibition that focuses on avian-themed art and draws artists from across North America and abroad.
- Permanent and temporary exhibition galleries: Galleries for rotating temporary shows and the museum’s collection of American art, shown in multiple connected gallery spaces.
- Museum grounds and outdoor sculpture sites: Outdoor grounds and sculpture sites adjacent to the museum building that provide views and sculpture displays in warmer months.
Best Time to Visit Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Open most of the year; spring through autumn offers the fullest program of exhibitions and events.
Weather & Climate near Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (832 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -16° - -6° | -17° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -14° - -2° | -13° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -7° - 4° | -6° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 0° - 12° | 4° | 71 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 20° | 14° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 25° | 18° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 99 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 26° | 20° | 109 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 108 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 14° | 6° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 4° | -4° | 49 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -12° - -3° | -13° | 35 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
The museum is located at 700 N 12th St in Wausau, Wisconsin. It’s a short drive from downtown Wausau; local parking is available. From I-39/US-51 take local exits into the city and follow signs to the museum.
Tips for Visiting Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
- Time a visit to coincide with rotating exhibitions-permanent displays are compact and the temporary shows are where the museum gets lively.
- The grounds and sculpture garden are small but worth a short walk-bring a camera for bird-related installations.
- Check for docent-led tours or gallery talks which add local context to bird and nature-themed exhibits.