Built in 1898 as a home for Charles Clark, son of William A. Clark the Copper King, the Arts Chateau Museum serves the Butte-Silver Bow community as both an arts center and a museum.

The wonderful entryway combines beveled glass windows, ornate wrought iron, sandstone and a vaulted brick ceiling. The interior features a freestanding spiral staircase, 26 rooms adorned with exotic woods from around the world, hand-painted wallpaper by Marshall Field, several stained glass windows and a redwood paneled fourth floor ballroom.

On display in the mansion are thousands of historic artifacts including textiles, books, vintage clothing and accessories. The museum also has the furniture collection on permanent loan from the University of Montana.

There are three galleries located on the first and second floors. Featuring works by local, regional and national artists, the museum displays traveling exhibits that cover the areas of traditional, historic and contemporary genres. The Annual Youth Art Exhibit, Painting by Steve Wellman and the work of Elizabeth Lochrie are on permanent display.

Maintained by donations, sponsorships, memberships and county funding, the Butte-Silver Bow Arts Foundation provides arts education in the community through workshops, exhibitions, classes and outreach programs such as Murals in Schools and community programs.

The museum's new art store carries a full line of professional, amateur and beginner art supplies. You can also find artwork by local artists, Made in Montana gifts and The Butte Heritage Cookbook for sale in the gift shop.