Free Art at Universities

Chinese Porcelain Work from the Renaissance Era

The end of the government shutdown at the federal level means that visitors can see the museums linked to the federal government such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery in Washington. A salient feature of the Smithsonian museums is the free admission to those museums. During the opening days of the shutdown, I published a blog featuring suggestions for alternative museums and galleries outside of Washington. Now that the shutdown is over, I have taken down that blog and the portfolio of alternative sites.

Several days ago, I visited the new building housing Princeton University’s art museum. Newspapers from New York and Philadelphia featured glowing appraisals of the museum. It was time for me to see what Princeton’s art museum had to offer. What I was there was a most splendid and stunning collection of art. The building’s exterior may have had a semi-Brutalist quality. But the interior was architecturally warm and inviting—a fine place to contemplate works of art. It was well worth the admission cost—$0.00. That’s right. Admission to the Princeton Art Museum was free.

With large city museums charging around $30 for adult tickets, consider visiting a university or college art museum. Although the quantity of a college art collection can be smaller than that of a major big city art museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or the Philadelphia Art Museum, the quality of a college art collection can be quite stunning. The Princeton Art Museum, the first university museum whose collection I am posting, has a wonderful display of Asian artwork. It also features works by artistic ‘chestnuts’ such as Monet and Rodin. Why go to New York or Philadelphia to see a Rodin or a Monet?

During the upcoming months, I hope to tour other museums run by universities. I will update the new portfolio of scenes and works I may capture at the other museums.

At a time of economic uncertainty and higher costs, consider a visit to a university art museum. Enjoy the fine works of art that a university art museum may offer. For free (In Princeton’s case).