Enjoy two neighboring exhibitions that play off one another in a unique and exciting way at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Henry’s Miniatures: Amalienburg and BIG: From the Collection both open this Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Henry’s Miniatures: Amalienburg
Henry Matthews began his miniature journey more than 30 years ago, inspired by his daughter’s dollhouse made by her grandfather. Matthews found its miniature objects strangely compelling and slowly began collecting his own, displaying them throughout his family home. When they began to outgrow his niches and bookshelves, Matthews started designing freestanding miniature structures specifically for the objects.
As Matthews added new objects, he designed additional novel buildings to house them, eventually resulting in a dollhouse that is roughly four feet wide, seven feet long, and more than eleven feet tall!
Henry’s Miniatures is sponsored by Wendy Kersman.
BIG: From the Collection
What makes a work of art BIG? Is it its physical size, subject, ambition, or the way it captures our attention? Some works of art demand to be seen from across the room. Others invite us to step closer and surround ourselves with their presence. BIG: From the Collection explores the many meanings of “BIG” through a selection of works that range from the monumental in scale to the intimate in size. Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, and spanning many mediums, the exhibition offers an opportunity to experience familiar works alongside unexpected discoveries.
BIG is sponsored by the JSJ Foundation
Opening Reception
Both exhibitions open to the public on November 19, 2026. Join the museum for a combined opening reception from 4:30 – 7 PM. At 6 PM, meet Henry—collector, curator, museum director, and creator of Amalienburg. Learn about the stories that led to this creation and beyond! Cash bar and light snacks will be available. The opening is free and open to the public!
