The history of the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas has roots in the former Visual Arts Unit of the Organization of American States. Under this unit, the first donation of art was received in 1949, a gift of painting by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. In 1957 the OAS Permanent Council conferred institutional backing to the collection by establishing a modest Purchase Fund to support the acquisition of art for a collection that was to reflect the contemporary art of the member nations of the OAS to form an enduring cultural resource. Purchases made by the Visual Arts Unit were strongly linked to and influenced by the direction of its exhibition program, and a significant number of works were acquired directly from the artists on the occasion of a temporary exhibit at the OAS Gallery. In many cases, an OAS exhibition represented the artist's first individual exhibit outside of his/her country of origin.

When the museum officially opened in 1976, the collection numbered 250 works. Today, the collection has grown to close to 2000 objects in varying media including painting, sculpture, installations, prints, drawings and photographs. It reflects the rich diversity of artistic expression found in the region and provides an overview of stylistic and iconographic trends beginning in the early 20th-century. Exhibitions from the collection are regularly presented in the museum and works from the collection are loaned to other cultural institutions for special exhibitions. The museum’s extensive art archives complements the art collection and is an important research resource for documentation. Both collections serve to preserve a unique visual and written record of the artistic achievements of artists of the Americas and their contributions to world art.

Building a strong permanent collection, which reflects current directions in the art as well as those historical movements most important for present and future generations continues to be the mission. Today's collection provides a rich framework for future growth.

Following our mission to interconnect, promote, and create a positive impact on the people and cultures of the western hemisphere, AMA | ART MUSEUM of the AMERICAS provides a range of educational and outreach activities, providing an engaging, educational, and fun service for the community.

This program includes lectures, seminars, children workshops, film programs, tours related to current exhibitions as well as other cultural events.

Create a piñata, a corn husk doll, or a carnival mask! Make a friendship bracelet or cast your own hand! We offer many different workshops for children of all ages ranging from ages 5 through 15.

School groups, as well as other community groups, from 8-20 participants are invited to schedule an appointment for a workshop between Tuesdays and Fridays. Workshops cost only $10 per participant to cover art project materials.

AMA's archives are devoted to the collection and preservation of papers and other records related to the art and artists of the Americas with particular focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Initiated in the early 1940s, the archives complement the museum's permanent art collection and serve as a central clearing-house for information on a broad geographical region. The exhibition catalogs, announcements, exhibition records, photographs, letters, news clippings, art periodicals, and other types of documents that make up the collection provide a rich research resource for students and scholars.