New museum celebrates opening in Oregon’s Coliseum    

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana in downtown Oregon, Ill., hosted its Grand Opening on Friday, July 14.

The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana located in historic downtown Oregon, Ill. hosted its Grand Opening on Friday, July 14, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, music by “NewShoes,” food by Jen’s Artisan Breads, and beverages by Ogle County Brewery. Speakers included Oregon Mayor Ken Williams and CMAAA Board President and School District #220 Superintendent Dr. Tom Mahoney.

Opened in 1923, the art deco Coliseum was once a center of activity for the community. After years of planning and construction over the past 18 months, renovation is complete to re-open the Coliseum for even more events and activities in the years to come.

The CMAAA mission is to present Art, Antiques, Americana and history through permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, music, theater and more.

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

On July 19, CMAAA began regular operating hours of Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information can be found on the website, www.cmaaa.org and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ColiseumMuseum/

Attached images in jpg include the Coliseum building, front entrance to CMAAA, Beverly Garcia art in gallery, and Joy Meyer art in display case.