It ’ s not hard to rev up excitement to go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame . After all , the space houses over 650 motorcycles , tons of pieces of art and a host of history in a comfortable , convenient location . Found right in downtown Sturgis the museum is an air-conditioned refuge during the heat of summer or Sturgis Rally week , and a fun , familyfriendly stop year-round for locals and tourists alike .
The custom gallery housing bikes with vivid paint schemes , chrome details and edges and lines that seem impossible to fathom greets visitors as they enter from the gift shop .
And that ’ s just the displays on the floor . The walls delight with a visual buffet of “ biker ” themed prints and portraits , a display that reflects the freedom of the dream . From two gals on their bikes taking a selfie in front of Devils Tower to the portrait of Arlen Ness , the art enhances the experience and reminds visitors that the Motorcycle Museum can be called an art museum as easily as it can a museum devoted to history , engineering innovation or transportation .
Sculptor Jeff Decker has two pieces on display , including his unique Neck and Neck With Death mirrored racing piece complete with his signature thumbprint . On the walls are a mix from various artists like
Darren McKeag , David Uhl and Scott Jacobs .
But what really captivates the senses is the bikes , the majority of which are on loan , allowing the museum to create freshness in its collection .
The newly-formed curation committee is charged with the task of looking at the museum collection and setting a strategy for short and long-term displays .
For the most part , loans are changed every two years , although the committee has the ability to ask an artist or loan exhibitor back again for pieces of greater significance .
The process ensures that guests who come on a frequent basis are going to see new things every time .
Currently the museum has one of three bikes used in the movie Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man , complete with authentication papers . It also has an incredible Donnie Smith bike build called " The Headhunter ,” a great example of 1970s digger style motorcycle .
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