In 1960 or 1959, Brigham Young University received a donation of Mahonri Young's art collection, which included over 10,000 works of art. Before the museum was created, artwork was stored in the Harris Fine Arts Center. Lacking a museum, the university allowed professors into storage rooms to select art to decorate their offices, even though some of the paintings were very valuable.
In 1960 or 1959, Brigham Young University received Mahonri Young's extensive collection of over 10,000 artworks. Without a museum, professors were given permission to browse through storage rooms in the Harris Fine Arts Center to choose art for their offices, including some highly valuable paintings.