The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy at Vincennes University will soon open its new Fine Arts Gallery, expanding the museum with a major addition dedicated to Red Skelton’s painting career.

The project has been several years in the making. Construction followed a $4 million donation from Skelton’s widow, Lothian Skelton, who wanted to make more of his artwork available to the public.

Museum Director Anne Pratt said the new gallery recognizes an important part of Skelton’s life that many people may not know about.

“Lothian Skelton is the third wife of Red Skelton. They married in 1973 after his divorce from his second wife, Georgia. And, as some of you may know, in 1973 his television show had ended and he was really starting to focus on his painting career. He was traveling around the country doing stand up, but really, really doing a lot of painting. And so she kind of considers herself the wife of the painting era. So his artwork is really important to her, and she donated $4 million to assist with the construction of this art gallery,” Pratt said.

The new space will feature hundreds of Red Skelton’s original paintings, along with an expanded archive area and event space for up to 200 guests. It will connect directly to the existing museum, giving visitors a continuous tour experience.

A private grand opening for museum members and community partners will be held Sunday, November 16, followed by the public opening on Tuesday, November 18.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.