By Fred Haefele

Starting September 15, a week of performances, parties, and dances marks the opening of a bigger and better Missoula Art Museum, under construction since late 2004.

A new stone-clad wing adds 6,800 square feet of floor space, nearly doubling the museum’s total. At the same time, the original building—the handsome 1903 Carnegie library—has been carefully restored and updated.

An inaugural exhibit features 200 pieces from MAM’s largely Western collection including works by contemporary Montana and American Indian artists Ken Little, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, and Rudy Autio, famed for his ceramics. The show kicks off a new year of exhibits, films, workshops, and concerts. (406) 728-0447, www.missoulaartmuseum.org.