Main Stope Gallery of Original Art

Open all year, the extended hours of the Main Stope Gallery of Original Art during holidays and summers, provides optimal opportunities for visitors to enjoy the original artwork of Montana professional artists. A joint venture gallery consisting of a number of Montana member artists, presents a varied and large array of framed paintings in oil, watercolor, mixed media and pastel; ceramic pottery and sculptures and vases; and small gift items for any occasion. New artwork submitted by each artist is incorporated into new displays every month. A large collection of artwork is kept in storage and can be viewed at any time upon request.

In addition to the regular members' displays, the gallery houses a Guest Salon that regularly hosts well known artists from Montana and other states. A growing popular attraction for art enthusiast, the Guest Salon provides a venue where art from different regions can be enjoyed. The large open space of the gallery provides ample room in which to view and appreciate oversize pieces of artwork.

The Main Stope Gallery of Original Art derives its name from a mining term used to describe the main room (main stope) in underground mining from which all operations are conducted. The Victorian store fronts and buildings that line the major streets of Butte transports the visitor's imagination to another era. As one wanders and discovers the mining frames that remain as a tribute to the thousands who worked the mines, the voices of the miners and Butte citizens can almost be heard along with the big city hustle and bustle, and one can almost see the horse drawn carriages and wagons of long ago transporting their burdens. A visitor will enjoy the beautiful old Victorian mansions that still stand today, reminiscent of the glory of the mining days of the 1800s. The historic uptown area grew out of families' desire to be close to their loved ones who worked the mines on 'The Richest Hill on Earth.' Butte's history abounds with tales of 'Original Only,' not only in its art but the thousands of former colorful inhabitants who made up the history of this great city.

There are numerous popular restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance and several hotels/motels in the uptown area.