James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was officially opened in 1988, thanks to the support of dedicated citizens, and is now an independent, non-profit cultural institution who has made it their mission to preserve, interpret and exhibit the art and cultural heritage of Bucks County. Visitors to the museum will be surprised to learn that this beautiful old building with its massive stone walls and warden's house, was once a county jail where fear and despair reigned, and is now the welcoming custodian of the artistic soul of Bucks County. Artists draw inspiration from Bucks County with its picturesque pastures, streams, farmhouses and quarries, and enjoy living and working in the area that inspires them. James A. Michener Art Museum houses a impressive collection of Pennsylvania Impressionism, plays host to touring exhibitions, and offers creative arts classes which encourage students to create original works of art.