February 15 - May 12, 2024

The Great Conflagration: Academy of Music Block Fire

In February 1926, Valparaiso’s Academy of Music Block at the southwest corner of Lincolnway and Washington Street was destroyed by fire. This small exhibit in the Robert Cain Gallery documents that fateful fire and its aftermath through original photographs.

About the Robert Cain Gallery

The Robert Cain Gallery honors M. Robert “Rob” Cain (1930-2022), a lifelong Valparaiso resident and beloved Valparaiso High School art teacher. In 2014, Cain participated in the dedication of the Robert Cain Gallery in the former PoCo Muse location at 153 Franklin Street in Valparaiso. The naming was made possible by a special gift from Joanne & Dan Urschel, whose family members were inspired by Cain from their time in his classroom.