Welcome, art lovers! Today we’re going to take a virtual trip to the University of Michigan Art Museum and explore the treasures it has to offer. Established in 1946, the museum has a collection of over 21,000 artworks from different parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The museum’s collection includes works of art from various disciplines such as paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and more. Let’s embark on this fascinating journey to discover some of the best pieces in the collection and learn about the stories behind them.
University of Michigan Art Museum
The University of Michigan Art Museum, also known as UMMA, is a prominent art institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was established in 1856, making it one of the oldest university art museums in the United States. Over the years, the museum’s collection has grown extensively, becoming a world-renowned institution for exceptional works of art from diverse cultural backgrounds.
History of the Museum
The University of Michigan Art Museum was founded in 1856, making it one of the oldest university art museums in the country. It was originally established as a resource for art students and faculty members. The museum was initially located in various spaces across the campus until 1910 when it found its permanent home in Alumni Memorial Hall.
The museum expanded over the years, with the addition of the Charles Hall and the George N. and Leah H. Dunkley Gallery in the 1920s. The museum also received significant contributions from alumni and art collectors, including gifts from the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 2009, after extensive renovations, the University of Michigan Art Museum reopened with nearly 94,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Collection Highlights
The University of Michigan Art Museum has an extensive collection that showcases art and artifacts from various cultures and time periods. The museum is home to over 21,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art and everything in between.
One of the most notable aspects of the collection is its exceptional works of art from the African continent. This includes a vast array of textiles, sculptures, and masks. Another highlight of the collection is its significant holdings of Asian art, with works dating back to the Tang dynasty. The museum also has an impressive collection of modern and Contemporary Art, with works from renowned artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Willem de Kooning, and Andy Warhol.
Exhibitions and Programs
The University of Michigan Art Museum hosts several exhibitions and programs throughout the year, which are open to the public. These exhibitions range from historical collections to contemporary works of art and aim to engage the community with diverse cultural experiences. For example, the UMMA exhibition program reflects on important topical issues and fulfills its mission to offer the broadest possible audience access to the art of the world.
In addition to exhibitions, the museum also offers various educational workshops and programs. These programs aim to foster a deeper understanding of the collections and the culture they represent. These educational opportunities range from lectures by renowned scholars to interactive workshops for children.
Overall, the University of Michigan Art Museum is a cultural cornerstone of Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is a hub of exceptional works of art that helps educate and inspire students, scholars, and the community.
Experience Art at the University of Michigan Art Museum
The University of Michigan Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers visiting Ann Arbor. The museum’s collection represents more than 150 years of art collecting, with over 20,000 works of art. They represent everything from pre-Columbian to contemporary, with a focus on Asian, European, and American art.
The museum is located on the University of Michigan campus at 525 S State St. The building recently underwent an extensive renovation and expansion, adding 53,000 square feet of space to the museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is always free for all visitors.
Visiting the Museum
The University of Michigan Art Museum offers a range of services and accommodations to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Here are some things you should know before you go.
Hours and Admission
The University of Michigan Art Museum is open on the following days and times:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm
- Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm
Admission to the museum is always free for all visitors.
Directions and Parking
The museum is located on the University of Michigan campus at 525 S State St. If you are driving, there are several parking options available nearby. The museum’s website provides comprehensive information on parking garages, lots, and meters that are available.
Michigan Stadium, which can accommodate visitors on football game days or other large events, provides parking.
Amenities and Accessibility
The University of Michigan Art Museum offers a range of amenities and accommodations:
- Cafe: The cafe offers a selection of coffee and tea, baked goods sandwiches and salads and is open during regular museum hours.
- Gift Shop: The gift shop features a unique selection of items related to the museum’s collection, including jewelry, books, toys, and prints.
The museum is committed to providing accessible programs and services to visitors with disabilities. The museum is equipped with an elevator and provides wheelchairs, free of charge, to visitors who need them. Additionally, the museum provides audio tours and an ASL interpreter upon special request.
The University of Michigan Art Museum is a remarkable institution, which attracts art lovers from all over the world. Its collection represents a diverse range of cultures and periods, and admission is free. There is no better time to visit this fantastic museum than right now.
Supporting the University of Michigan Art Museum
The University of Michigan Art Museum has a rich collection of over 20,000 works of art from different cultures and time periods. The museum’s mission is to strengthen and transform our understanding of the world through artistic expression. As a non-profit organization, the museum relies on the support of its community to continue to fulfill its mission. There are different ways you can support the museum, including becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time and skills.
Membership
Becoming a member of the University of Michigan Art Museum is a great way to show your support for the museum while enjoying exclusive benefits. Members get free admission to the museum, special discounts at the museum shop and at different events, invitations to members-only events, and more. You can choose between different membership levels, starting at $50 for individual membership and going up to $5,000 for leadership membership. Memberships are valid for a year and can be renewed annually. To become a member, you can visit the museum’s website or talk to one of the museum’s staff members during your visit.
Donations and Giving
Another way to support the University of Michigan Art Museum is by making a donation. Your donation can help the museum acquire new works of art, develop innovative programming, restore and conserve the existing collection, and reach out to new audiences. There are different ways you can make a gift, including:
- One-time donation: you can make a one-time gift of any amount through the museum’s website or by mail.
- Annual fund gift: you can make an annual gift that will support the museum’s operations and help the museum fulfill its mission.
- Endowment gift: you can make a gift to the museum’s endowment, which will provide a stable source of income for the museum in the long term.
- Planned giving: you can include the museum in your estate planning or make a gift that will benefit the museum in the future.
You can also give in honor or memory of someone special or make a corporate gift on behalf of your company. The University of Michigan Art Museum is a tax-exempt organization, so your gift may be tax-deductible. For more information on how to make a gift, you can visit the museum’s website or contact the development office.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are passionate about art and would like to get involved with the University of Michigan Art Museum, volunteering is a great option. Volunteering can provide you with the opportunity to connect with the museum’s community, learn about the museum’s collection and programming, and develop new skills. There are different volunteer opportunities available, including:
- Visitor services: you can greet visitors, provide them with information about the museum, and help them with their needs.
- Gallery attendant: you can provide security and supervision in the museum’s galleries and ensure that visitors follow museum policies.
- Event support: you can assist with different events, such as exhibit openings, lectures, and workshops, and help ensure their success.
- Docent: you can lead tours of the museum’s collection and engage visitors with your knowledge and passion.
The University of Michigan Art Museum provides training and support for its volunteers, and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community, meet new people, and discover the art world. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, you can visit the museum’s website or contact the volunteer coordinator.
By becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time, you can support the University of Michigan Art Museum’s mission to enrich and inspire our understanding of the world through art. Your support can make a difference and help the museum continue to be a vital cultural institution in our community.