Welcome to the Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University! This museum is a hidden gem located on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, just a few minutes away from downtown Chicago. The museum’s collection boasts over 6,000 pieces of art ranging from contemporary paintings to ancient artifacts. The Block Museum also offers a variety of exhibitions and programs, making it a must-see destination for both Northwestern students and Chicago locals.
Discover the Block Museum of Art Northwestern University
If you’re a lover of art, then you’ll appreciate the stunning collection at the Block Museum of Art Northwestern University. Located in the beautiful Evanston city in Illinois, this museum is known for its extraordinary collections of art, which reflect the diversity of cultures and traditions from around the world.
The Museum’s History
The Block Museum of Art Northwestern University opened in September 1980, after receiving a generous gift from art collectors, Mary and Leigh Block. Thanks to their donation of over 5,000 artworks, the Block Museum was established, and it has since grown to be a center of creative inspiration. The museum’s mission is to expand the understanding of global art, making it accessible to everyone.
The Collections
The Block Museum showcases an extensive and diverse collection of art, featuring works from renowned artists as well as up-and-coming ones. The collection includes modern and contemporary art, African art, and works on paper. You can enjoy the artistic diversity that Northwestern University has to offer as the museum features a broad collection of historical and cultural artworks from various regions worldwide.
The museum houses works by several acclaimed and respected artists, including John Cage, Nancy Spero, William Blake, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. These works, alongside many others, are displayed in changing exhibitions and collections, creating an experience that is both inspiring and educational.
The Facilities
The Block Museum of Art Northwestern University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including galleries, a film screening room, and a study center. The museum is home to a 400-seat auditorium, which is perfect for hosting film screenings, lectures, and other events. The galleries are beautifully designed, with ample space for showcasing the many works of art available at the museum.
If you are a student or researcher, the museum’s study center is the perfect place for you to conduct your research on the many works of art available. You will find an extensive collection of monographs, catalogues, and other reference works, including the museum’s archives of past exhibitions and events.
In conclusion, the Block Museum of Art Northwestern University is an excellent destination for anyone interested in art, history, and diverse cultures. With its diverse and extensive collection of artworks, there’s always something new to discover and learn. From the impressive facilities to the interactive exhibitions, the Block Museum provides a comprehensive experience that inspires and educates visitors.
The Block Museum’s Exhibitions and Programs
The Block Museum is a world-class art museum situated on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois. The museum is dedicated to presenting thought-provoking and engaging exhibitions that inspire the mind and spark conversations about art and culture. With a focus on contemporary and historical art, the Block Museum’s exhibitions and programs aim to foster understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Current Exhibitions
The Block Museum is home to a diverse range of exhibitions that showcase the work of established and emerging artists from around the world. The museum’s current exhibitions feature a range of media and styles, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. One of the museum’s current exhibitions is “Carrie Mae Weems: Ritual and Revolution,” which runs from January 21 through May 16, 2021. This exhibition presents over 200 photographs, videos, and installations that explore themes of race, gender, and identity in contemporary America. Another current exhibition is “When the Water Rises: Recent Paintings by Julie Mehretu,” which showcases the artist’s large-scale abstract paintings that explore the intersections of geography, politics, and identity.
Upcoming Exhibitions
The Block Museum has a robust schedule of upcoming exhibitions that promise to excite and inspire visitors. In the coming months and years, the museum will present exhibitions that explore a broad range of cultural and artistic themes. One upcoming exhibition is “Experiments in Form: Sam Gilliam, Alan Shields, Frank Stella,” which runs from May 22 through September 12, 2021. This exhibition explores the work of three artists who each experimented with form and color in their abstract art. Another upcoming exhibition is “Pop América, 1965-1975,” which opens on October 2, 2021, and runs through January 23, 2022. This exhibition features works by Latin American, Caribbean, and US Latino/a artists who challenged the conventions of pop art.
Education and Outreach Programs
In addition to its exhibitions, the Block Museum is committed to community engagement. The museum offers a range of education and outreach programs that bring art and culture to the broader community. One of the museum’s programs is its school tour program, which allows K-12 students to visit the museum and engage with its exhibitions. The museum also offers workshops and lectures for adults, which provide opportunities to explore art and culture in depth. Additionally, the museum has a robust online presence, with virtual exhibitions, artist talks, and other content available for audiences around the world.
The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary and historical art. With its thought-provoking exhibitions, engaging programming, and commitment to community engagement, the museum is a hub of cultural activity in the Chicagoland region and beyond. Plan your visit today to experience the wonder of the Block Museum for yourself!
Visiting the Block Museum
The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University is a unique and stunning cultural center situated in Evanston, Illinois. This museum boasts a collection of over 5,000 artworks and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, prints, craftworks, and photographs. The Block Museum is open all-year-round and offers a broad range of programs, events, and exhibitions.
Hours and Admission
The Block Museum’s standard hours of operation are 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, with extended hours until 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is free for all visitors, including for special exhibitions. However, donations to support the museum’s mission and programs are appreciated. To ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors, the museum is following CDC guidelines and requiring masks, social distancing, and timed-entry ticketing. Visitors can obtain free timed-entry tickets on the museum website or by phone.
Getting There
The Block Museum is conveniently located on the Evanston campus of Northwestern University. It is easily accessible by public transit, bike, car, or foot. If you plan to take public transit, you can take the CTA Purple Line to the Foster stop, which is a ten-minute walk from the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Metra Union Pacific North Line to the Central Street station, which is a fifteen-minute walk from the museum. There are also several bus routes that stop near the museum, including the #201, #206, and #250. If you prefer to drive, limited visitor parking is available in the lot next to the museum, or you can find street parking nearby. The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, and there are designated parking spots and entry ramps.
Nearby Attractions
Evanston and Chicago offer a wealth of cultural, culinary, and entertainment attractions that you can explore before or after your visit to the Block Museum. For instance, you can visit the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, the Illinois Holocaust Museum, or the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art. Additionally, you can stroll through the beautiful Northwestern campus, which features a lakefront beach, botanical gardens, and historic architecture. Alternatively, you can take a short drive to Chicago and experience its world-renowned museums, theaters, sports arenas, skyscrapers, parks, and restaurants. Some of the top tourist spots in Chicago include the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Willis Tower, and Wrigley Field. Wherever you decide to go, we’re certain that you’ll find plenty of excitement, inspiration, and beauty in the Evanston and Chicago area.