When you walk in, everything seems quite modern, and it is — until you see the art. But it redefines what one might think of “old folk art” into something beautiful and captivating.

As you exit the elevator on the fifth floor you see a sign understood instantly — a tooth hanging from the ceiling:  “Dentist!”  It is an example of symbolism; the “Tooth Trade Sign” was probably from New England and made in 1850-1880 with paint on wood with metal. A little further and you see a scenic wall found in a New Hampshire home conserved in glass as conditioned with smeared paint and oozing glue but that doesn’t nearly affect its natural beauty.

Along the stairwell there are tons of weather vanes, one of which is possibly the largest American weather vane ever made and used! It is called the “St. Tammany Weathervane”.

The works of Ulysses Davis are on the third floor, which has an amazing showcase of 40 busts of the Presidents of the United States, including the Great Seal. If you step back, you can see how the clothing changed throughout the years of presidents. It was made of mahogany and pecan with paint in 1970-1990. There is more work from him as you continue along including a funny looking creature we found called “Stumpy,” a spiky little animal from a fantastical realm.

As you walk down into the second floor, the beginning of the kaleidoscope exhibit begins. There are blocks and quilts of sewn kaleidoscopes and near the back, there are five hands-on kaleidoscopes, one of which is made of glass and called “Odyssey” which had beautiful designs on the inside.

On the mezzanine floor, there is a little cafe and some artwork. The cafe’s prices are a bit high but the food quality is great and the drinks ice cold.

On the ground floor there is (as of Aug. 11) a kaleidoscope video showing. It is a beautiful display of colors and patterns. There is other art on display, but with a screen so large showing such elegance, it was impossible to look anywhere else.

As you begin to exit, you are drawn in to the Gift Shop. Stunned by the artistic quality and beauty, you must look at things. The prices are a tad expensive but they are overwhelmingly adorable or cool. There is everything from books to stencils to jewelry. One thing I noticed was a small, three legged pig — a chanchito, a little pig that is said to bring good luck. They are given to friends as a token of friendship or love.

I think the museum is for people above the age of 10 because only people who can really appreciate the art without fussing should come. It is five floors of art and not for people who are impatient. It is best to come early and start from the top so you will really enjoy everything.