The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a premier cultural institution located in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1969 as the Duke University Museum of Art, the museum was renamed in 2005 in honor of Raymond and Patsy Nasher, who made a significant gift to the university. The Nasher Museum's mission is to provide a comprehensive and innovative approach to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of art from around the world, with a focus on educating and engaging the university community and the broader public.
History and Architecture
The Nasher Museum’s current building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and opened in 2005. The 65,000-square-foot facility features a striking design that incorporates natural light and a sense of openness, creating an ideal environment for exhibiting and interpreting works of art. The building’s design has received widespread critical acclaim, with many considering it one of the most significant architectural achievements in the southeastern United States. The museum’s grounds also feature a beautifully landscaped garden, which provides a serene oasis for visitors and serves as a unique venue for outdoor events and exhibitions.
Collection and Exhibitions
The Nasher Museum’s collection comprises over 13,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs from around the world. The collection spans a broad range of historical periods, from ancient civilizations to contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on European and American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the notable artists represented in the collection include Claes Oldenburg, Colette Fu, and Christian Marclay. The museum also presents a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, often in collaboration with other major museums and cultural institutions. These exhibitions have included shows on topics such as Abstract Expressionism, African American art, and Latin American modernism.
| Collection Category | Number of Works |
|---|---|
| African Art | 1,200 |
| European Art | 2,500 |
| Modern and Contemporary Art | 4,000 |
Education and Community Engagement
The Nasher Museum is dedicated to providing a wide range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours, artist talks, and hands-on workshops, as well as more in-depth courses and lectures on art history and appreciation. The museum also offers a variety of outreach and engagement initiatives, such as the Nasher Museum Community Outreach Program, which provides free or low-cost admission and programming to underserved communities in the Durham area. Additionally, the museum’s Family Guides program offers interactive and educational activities for families with children, making the museum a welcoming and inclusive destination for visitors of all backgrounds and ages.
Academic and Research Initiatives
The Nasher Museum is also an important resource for academic and research initiatives at Duke University. The museum’s collections and exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for students and faculty to engage with original works of art and to develop innovative research projects and exhibitions. The museum’s Curatorial Fellowship Program offers graduate students and emerging curators the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in curatorial practice and museum administration. The museum also partners with other departments and programs at Duke to develop interdisciplinary research projects and exhibitions, such as the Duke Arts Initiative, which brings together faculty and students from across the university to explore the intersections between art, science, and technology.
What are the Nasher Museum's hours of operation?
+The Nasher Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Does the Nasher Museum offer guided tours?
+In conclusion, the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a vibrant and dynamic cultural institution that plays a vital role in the academic and cultural life of the university and the broader community. Through its diverse collections, innovative exhibitions, and engaging educational programs, the museum provides a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. As a leading cultural institution in the southeastern United States, the Nasher Museum is committed to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts, and to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange between artists, scholars, and the broader community.
