Welcome to the Zimmerli Art Museum, a place where art and culture come to life! This wonderful museum is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey and is a must-visit attraction for all art enthusiasts. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of beautiful and diverse artworks, ranging from modern art to ancient artifacts, all carefully curated to provide a unique and enriching experience for all who come through its doors. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of art and culture, or simply looking for a relaxing day out with your family and friends, the Zimmerli Art Museum has something to offer for everyone.
The Zimmerli Art Museum: A Must-Visit Destination for Art Lovers
Nestled on the Rutgers University campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the Zimmerli Art Museum welcomes visitors from all over the world to explore one of the largest and most distinguished university-based museums in America. Dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of world-class art, the Zimmerli Art Museum boasts an extensive collection of over 60,000 works of art, representing ancient to contemporary art from all corners of the globe.
About the Museum
The Zimmerli Art Museum was established in 1966 after a donation of over 4,000 Russian and Soviet nonconformist artworks were given to Rutgers University. Over the years, the collection has grown significantly, and now features art from a range of cultures and periods, including European, American, Russian, and Asian art. The museum is located at 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is easily accessible by car or train, with parking and shuttle services available on campus.
Visitors to the Zimmerli Art Museum are sure to be captivated by its vast and diverse collections, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, and decorative arts. Some of the museum’s most notable collections include American Art, German Art, and the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of Soviet Nonconformist Art, which is the largest collection of its kind outside of Russia.
Exhibition Highlights
The Zimmerli Art Museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing artworks from its own collections, as well as collaborations with other museums and artists. Some of the current or upcoming exhibitions that are worth checking out include:
“Mikhail Karasik: The USSR’s Tower of Babel”
This exhibition features Soviet-born artist Mikhail Karasik’s contemporary graphic works, which explore the Russian language as a metaphor for the complexities of Soviet life. Visitors can expect to see printmaking works, comics, and illustrations that creatively examine the nuances and contradictions of Soviet society.
“All Together, Amongst Many: Reflections on Empathy”
This exhibition showcases contemporary artworks that explore themes of empathy and social justice. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artworks through interactive installations, videos, and pieces that challenge the viewer’s perspective on issues of inequality, diversity, and activism.
Visitor Information
The Zimmerli Art Museum operates from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and on weekends from noon to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays, major holidays, and during the month of August. Admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
First-time visitors should take note that photography and food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum, and bags larger than 11 x 15 inches are not allowed. The museum provides stroller, wheelchair, and umbrella rentals, as well as lockers to store belongings. Visitors are welcome to join guided tours or attend educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly events, which are listed on the museum’s website.
Overall, the Zimmerli Art Museum offers an enriching experience for art lovers of all ages and interests. With its vast collections, innovative contemporary exhibitions, and engaging educational programs, the museum serves as a testament to the power of art to inspire, educate, and unite us all.
The Zimmerli Art Museum’s Impressive Collections
The Zimmerli Art Museum, located in Rutgers University in New Jersey, is home to an extensive collection of art spanning from medieval to contemporary times from all over the world. The museum is considered one of the largest university-based museums in the United States and has over 60,000 works of art in its collection. Exhibitions are regularly changed, so there is always something new to discover at the Zimmerli Art Museum.
European Art
The European art collection of the Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the most impressive in the country, with items from the medieval era to the modern time. Gothic altarpieces, Renaissance paintings, Baroque drawings, and modern sculptures are just some of the items in the collection. One of the highlights of the European art collection is an impressive collection of 19th-century Russian art donated by collector Norton Dodge, which is considered one of the largest in the world outside of Russia itself. Another highlight of the collection is the works of Claude Monet, Wassily Kandinsky, and other modern artists.
Visitors can also appreciate Middle Eastern and Islamic art, which is an extension of the European art collection. This collection includes items such as manuscripts, pottery, and glassware.
American Art
The Zimmerli Art Museum’s collection of American art features paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that depict the American landscape and heritage. The museum includes a collection of colonial portraits and landscapes, which showcase the ultimate transition of American art from British to American influence. Also, the museum features paintings, sculptures, and prints from the 19th and 20th centuries.
One of the main highlights of the American art collection is The Collection of James and Pamela Egan, which includes over 200 works of art from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. The collection includes works by artists like Arthur Dove, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Charles Sheeler. The Zimmerli Art Museum’s collection of American art is one of the largest on the East Coast.
Non-Western Art
The Zimmerli Art Museum’s collection of non-Western art features art from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Native America. This diverse collection includes rare pieces of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art.
One of the highlights of the collection is the African collection, which includes a powerful collection of masks and figurative sculptures from Central and West Africa. The museum also features a substantial collection of art from Japan, including woodblock prints, porcelain, and ceramics. Additionally, the museum has an impressive exhibition of contemporary Chinese art that features installations, paintings, and sculptures from the modern era.
Final Thoughts
The Zimmerli Art Museum is a remarkable museum that houses a vast collection of art from around the world. With over 60,000 works of art in the collection, visitors can spend hours appreciating the masterpieces on display. The museum is open to the public free of charge, and it is recommended that you plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the collections.
If you are interested in art, the Zimmerli Art Museum is a must-visit destination, whether you’re a student, scholar, or simple art enthusiast. With its extensive collection of European, American, and non-Western art, the Zimmerli Art Museum is an excellent place to learn about art history and gain a deeper appreciation of art.
The Zimmerli Art Museum’s Educational Programs and Events
The Zimmerli Art Museum is more than just a place to appreciate art. It is a learning institution, dedicated to enriching the lives of visitors of all ages through a wide range of educational programs and events.
Programs for Kids and Families
The Zimmerli understands the importance of introducing children, not only to the art world but also to the museum itself. That’s why they offer art classes, workshops, and tours designed specifically for younger audiences.
Children can participate in hands-on workshops, such as the “Art Together” series, where they can create art alongside a parent or grandparent. The museum also offers “Family Art Days,” which are free events open to the public. On these days, families can explore the galleries and take part in interactive activities that focus on a specific theme or exhibition.
For school groups, the Zimmerli offers guided tours that are designed to meet New Jersey state curriculum standards. These tours focus on topics such as cultural diversity, social justice, and sustainability. The museum also offers outreach programs where trained teaching artists can bring the museum experience directly to local schools.
Adult Programs and Events
The Zimmerli offers numerous events tailored for adults, including lectures, workshops, and the popular Art After Hours series. During Art After Hours, which takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, visitors can enjoy a unique experience of the museum’s galleries after hours while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. The museum also hosts special events, such as film screenings, concerts, and book discussions, that explore themes related to current exhibitions.
For individuals interested in developing their artistic skills, the museum offers a variety of art classes and workshops. From drawing and painting to printmaking and digital art, the Zimmerli’s classes are taught by professional artists and educators in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Group Tours and Field Trips
The Zimmerli Art Museum is an ideal destination for school groups, organizations, and groups of friends or family. The museum offers guided tours, with topics ranging from contemporary art to European paintings, that can be tailored to meet the interests and learning goals of each group. The Zimmerli also offers special field trip packages that include guided tours, art-making workshops, and educational materials to bring the museum experience back to the classroom.
In addition, the museum offers opportunities for private group events. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate team-building event, or a social gathering with friends, the Zimmerli’s staff can work with groups to design a unique and memorable experience.
The Zimmerli Art Museum is more than just a place to see art – it’s a community-focused institution that’s dedicated to enriching visitors’ lives through education and engagement. With a wide range of programs and events designed for all ages, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and appreciation of art and culture.
The Zimmerli Art Museum: Supporting Art Scholarship and Research
The Zimmerli Art Museum located in New Jersey, USA, is a premier destination for art lovers and scholars alike. Established in 1966, this museum is an excellent resource for those interested in studying and researching art and art history. It houses an extensive collection of artworks, rare books, and manuscripts that facilitate art education and research.
Special Collections and Archives
One of the most remarkable features of the Zimmerli Art Museum is its special collections and archives. The museum’s collections include rare books, journals, and manuscripts related to art and art history that date back to the fifteenth century. The archive is home to over 2,500 linear feet of outstanding primary source material, including the correspondence of artists, museum directors, and art dealers. The collection has been established through generous donations over the years, including from noted collectors and scholars like George Segal and Schomer Lichtner. The Archive also houses the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of Soviet Nonconformist Art, which is the most extensive collection of Russian art outside of Russia.
The Zimmerli Art Museum’s Special Collections and Archives offer visitors a wealth of information about the history of art, artists, and art movements. Researchers and scholars can access the archives to examine primary source material that supports their research objectives. The archive’s knowledgeable staff is available to guide visitors through the process of accessing and navigating through the collections.
Research Centers and Fellowships
The Zimmerli Art Museum has established several research centers and fellowship programs that focus on promoting the study of art history and related fields. The Dodge Fellowship in Art is a prestigious fellowship that supports advanced graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and visiting scholars in the study of modern and contemporary art. The fellowship, which was founded in 1986, honors Norton and Nancy Dodge’s significant contribution to the museum. Fellows can access the museum’s archives and other resources to conduct their research.
The Coast Foundation Archive Fellowship is another excellent research opportunity available at the Zimmerli Art Museum. The fellowship, offered in partnership with the Coast Foundation Inc., supports scholars researching artists from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. The fellowship provides access to the museum’s archives and research facilities and an opportunity to participate in the museum’s academic and public programming.
Collections Study Room
The Zimmerli Art Museum offers a unique opportunity for scholars and researchers to view artworks up close and personal through its Collections Study Room. The study room houses artworks from the museum’s collections that are not currently on display in the galleries. Scholars and researchers can request to view specific works of art and examine them in detail under the guidance of museum staff. This opportunity is particularly useful for scholars who want to conduct in-depth analysis of a particular artwork or compare different pieces from the same artist.
In conclusion, the Zimmerli Art Museum is an excellent resource for scholars and researchers interested in studying art and art history. The museum’s extensive archives and collections, research centers, and fellowship programs, and the exclusive collections study room provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and examine art in a personal and meaningful way. The Zimmerli Art Museum is an important advocate for furthering art scholarship and research and has become a leader in promoting the study of modern and contemporary art.