Hey there art lovers! Have you ever visited the Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis? If not, you’re in for a treat. The museum boasts an extensive collection of contemporary art, featuring world-renowned artists such as William Kentridge, Yinka Shonibare, and Mickalene Thomas. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to the Kemper Art Museum is a must for anyone looking to explore the dynamic world of contemporary art.
Kemper Art Museum: A Closer Look
The Kemper Art Museum is a renowned contemporary art museum located at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1881 and has continued to grow and evolve into the leading museum it is today.
History and Background
The museum was originally founded as the “Washington University Museum of Fine Arts” in 1881. Over the years, the museum has gone through several transformations and expansions, including its renaming to “Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum” in 2004, following major renovations and upgrades to the building.
The museum has a strong mission to promote engagement with contemporary art by providing access to a diverse range of artistic styles and cultures. The museum is known for its commitment to collecting and exhibiting works by both established and emerging artists who represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds and artistic genres.
Exhibitions and Collections
The Kemper Art Museum has an expansive collection of over 9,000 artworks. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and decorative objects. The museum is home to a mix of permanent and rotating collections that represent a wide range of artistic genres and styles, with an emphasis on contemporary art.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by renowned artists such as Fernand Léger, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Joan Mitchell, and Roy Lichtenstein. Additionally, the museum is known for its collection of contemporary African art, which is one of the largest such collections in the country. These works represent a wide range of styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and video art.
The rotating exhibitions showcased at the Kemper Art Museum feature contemporary artists from around the world. These exhibitions range from large-scale installations to intimate displays of individual artworks. Past exhibitions include “The Weight of Things: Photographs by Paul Strand and Emmet Gowin” and “Kwang Young Chun: Aggregations.” These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with contemporary art and learn about the artists who create it.
Outreach and Education Programs
The Kemper Art Museum offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum’s outreach programs aim to engage the community in a dialogue about contemporary art and promote understanding and appreciation of artistic diversity.
The museum’s educational programs include workshops, lectures, and tours of the collections and exhibitions. These programs are designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about different artistic styles and movements, to engage with artists and their work, and to inspire creativity. The museum also offers special programs for schools and universities to promote art education.
Overall, the Kemper Art Museum is a vibrant and ever-evolving institution dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of contemporary art. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a curious novice, the museum offers a bounty of artistic treasures to explore and marvel at.
Highlights of the Kemper Art Museum
Impressive Architectural Design
Located on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, the Kemper Art Museum boasts a unique and modern design. The building, which was completed in 2006, was designed by renowned architects Fumihiko Maki and Associates. One standout feature of the design is the double-skin facade, which helps to regulate the temperature inside the building. The outer layer is made of glass, while the inner layer is constructed of metal panels. This innovative design allows for more natural light to enter the space, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Visitors can’t help but be impressed by the sleek, contemporary look of the museum’s exterior.
Notable Artwork and Exhibitions
The Kemper Art Museum has a vast collection of more than 8,000 works of art dating back to the early 19th century. Visitors can view artwork that spans across a range of different mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints. One of the standout pieces in the collection is Max Beckmann’s “The Actors,” a powerful oil painting that portrays a group of performers. Additionally, the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. One such exhibition was “Ai Weiwei: Bare Life,” which showcased the works of the prominent Chinese artist and activist. The Kemper Art Museum is known for its dedication to showcasing artwork that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Community Involvement and Impact
The Kemper Art Museum has made a significant impact on the local community through its many programs and initiatives. One such program is the ArtReach program, which provides free art classes to underserved youth in the St. Louis area. The museum also hosts community events, such as family art-making workshops and lectures on various art-related topics. The Kemper Art Museum is committed to promoting art education and encouraging a love for the arts within the community. Moreover, the museum has made efforts to improve the sustainability of its building and operations. Notably, the Kemper Art Museum was the first university museum in the United States to receive LEED Gold certification for its environmentally-friendly practices.
In conclusion, the Kemper Art Museum is an impressive institution that is well worth a visit. Not only does it house an impressive collection of artwork, but it also promotes community involvement and environmental sustainability. Visitors will be impressed by the museum’s uniquely modern architectural design and will undoubtedly leave with a deeper appreciation for the importance of art in society.
Visiting Kemper Art Museum
Location and Hours
If you’re a lover of art or simply interested in experiencing world-class exhibitions, Kemper Art Museum should be high on your list of places to visit. Located at the heart of Washington University in St. Louis, the museum is an ideal destination for tourists, students, art enthusiasts, and the general public. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays, but it is available for private events.
The museum’s hours of operation are as follows:
- Tuesday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Wednesday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
If you’re driving, there are several parking options available that are easily accessible from the museum. If you prefer to take public transportation, bus routes run from various locations around the city, making it easy to get to the museum.
Ticket Prices and Guided Tours
The Kemper Art Museum is free and open to the public, though donations are always welcome and appreciated. As the museum is a teaching facility, it is a great resource for students, scholars, and research groups. It also provides guided tours for visitors throughout the year. These tours often showcase specific exhibitions and offer visitors a chance to learn about artists, techniques, and historical context for pieces on display.
Tours can be arranged for both small and large groups, and groups can also arrange for personalized experiences to cater to their specific interests. The museum’s guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and they offer a unique perspective on the exhibitions, making for an enriching experience
Amenities and Accessibility
The Kemper Art Museum boasts several amenities that make it convenient and comfortable for visitors. For instance, the museum shop provides a range of products, including books, postcards, jewelry, and decorative items inspired by the exhibitions and the museum’s collections. The café offers refreshments and snacks that are perfect for a quick break in between exhibits or a small meal to cap off your visit.
Furthermore, the museum takes accessibility seriously, and it has facilities that cater to visitors with disabilities. The building design considers all visitors, including wheelchair users, allowing them to move around the museum with ease. Additionally, the museum offers personal assistance devices, including wheelchairs and motorized scooters, to visitors who need them. Visitors can request these devices from the front desk when they arrive at the museum.
Overall, the Kemper Art Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art or design. The perfect blend of exhibitions, events, and resources makes it a unique and rewarding destination. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for an inspiring and enriching experience, be sure to put the Kemper Art Museum on your list of must-visit destinations.