Teachers and painters began the Allentown Art Museum was established by Walter Emerson Baum (1886-1956). Developed during the Great Depression the Museum present works of local artists within the community for 20 years in a city-owned Federal-style house.

53 Renaissance and Baroque paintings were donated to the gallery in 1960 and 1961 from Samuel H. Kress, from nearby Cherryville, Pennsylvania. The Kress gift began the re-development of the museum and refurbish of the building as we see it today.

The Paisley Pattern, part of the Museum’s permanent collection,will showcase the exotic and luxurious paisley shawls of India and Europe. The Kashmir shawls were valued for their light weight and meticulously intricate designs. It would take several weavers a year to finish a single shawl! European shawls will be included in the exhibition that reflect the same craftsmanship.