University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is the world’s largest collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators. The Museum’s goal is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.

Our Mission:

The mission of University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.

What We Do:

University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum celebrates the original art of picture books using education, exhibits, events and artist visits.

The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum celebrates the original art of picture books using education, exhibits, events and artist visits. Giving world-renowned artists a platform to share their creative process, the Museum invites people to explore the art within the story through its programs for children, adults and educators. The Museum is home to more than 14,000 pieces of artwork from picture books, making it the largest and most diverse collection of picture book art in the world.

Our History

In 1982, the late Jerry Mallett, Ed.D., former professor of education at Findlay College, proposed the idea to build a museum dedicated to the art of picture books. With four pieces of art provided through a gift from the late Dr. August ‘41 and Aleda Mazza ‘41, the collection began. The Mazza Museum at the University of Findlay, originally housed in the basement of the University’s Shafer Library, was formally dedicated on Jan. 23, 1983.

The Mazza Museum invites you to experience the art of picture books through the eyes of the artists and authors. You’ll see every aspect of the creative process from the first sketches to the final original artwork. Caring for more than 14,000 pieces, the Museum is one of the largest and most diverse collections of picture book art in the world.