Marin The Muse

May 31 - Dec 31, 2025

The Marin History Museum has long accepted works of art. The collection today is a mix of mediums—from 19th century needlepoint to 1970s batik—from artists well-known to unknown. This exhibit highlights the best of the museum’s paintings, including a selection of works from a recent donation of 36 paintings by Thaddeus and Ludmilla Pilat Welch.

The word “muse” comes from the ancient Greek mousa, referring to nine sister-goddesses believed to be the source of inspiration for artists and poets. Through centuries and languages, muse has retained its meaning as a catalyst for creative expression. Like an artist marks their work by signing it, Marin leaves its mark on those who are captured by its beauty – entranced to preserve it forever.

Marin the Muse: Paintings from the Collection runs May 31st to December 31st, 2025 at the Boyd Gate House in downtown San Rafael.

Bolinas, c. 1900 by Thaddeus Welch. Gift of Peter Y. Pilat. Marin History Museum Collection.