Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, is a leading academic art museum dedicated to fostering the understanding and appreciation of art and culture. Established in 1974, the museum's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret works of art from around the world, while also serving as a hub for scholarly research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.

The Smart Museum's collection spans over 5,000 years of artistic production, with strengths in European and American art from the Renaissance to the present, as well as Asian, African, and modern and contemporary art. The museum's diverse holdings include paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and decorative arts, offering visitors a rich and varied experience of artistic expression across time and culture.

One of the highlights of the Smart Museum is its commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and collaboration, both within the university community and with external partners. The museum regularly collaborates with faculty, students, and scholars from a wide range of disciplines to develop innovative exhibitions, research projects, and public programs that explore the intersections of art, culture, and society.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Smart Museum presents a dynamic schedule of temporary exhibitions that highlight specific themes, artists, or movements within the history of art. These exhibitions often feature works from the museum's collection, as well as loans from other institutions and private collections, providing visitors with fresh perspectives and new insights into the world of art.

The Smart Museum is also committed to engaging with the broader community through a variety of educational programs, outreach initiatives, and public events. These programs include guided tours, lectures, workshops, family activities, and community partnerships that seek to make art accessible and meaningful to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Overall, the Smart Museum of Art is a dynamic and inclusive cultural institution that serves as a vital resource for the University of Chicago community and the city of Chicago at large. Through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and collaborations, the museum fosters dialogue, creativity, and understanding, enriching the lives of all who encounter its collections and programs.