If you don’t know about the University of Arizona Museum of Art, then you are missing out on an amazing art experience at the UA. Right across the street from the prestigious Center For Creative Photography, the UA Museum of Art is home to over 6000 objects from the present day back to the Bronze Age. There are pieces that you will find are always on view and several that make the rotations throughout the years.
History
The UA art department was founded by Professor Katherine Kitt. In turn, the first art show was organized and opened in 1924. Almost ten years later, the first Art Gallery opens on campus. In 1951, 25 master Renaissance paintings are lent to the University of Arizona collection, as a result over 2000 people come to the opening exhibit. Finally, in 1955 ground breaks for the UA Museum of Art, and construction begins.
In 1960 the Kress Foundation donates the 15th-century Altarpiece from Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain. This beautiful example of Catholic art is viewable in the permanent collection on the second floor. The University considers this retablo “the jewel of the UAMA collection,” it’s also an important piece of hybrid Hispano-Flemish art that Queen Isabella was encouraging at the time.
In 1981 the UAMA received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. This award is prestigious, and the UA Museum of Art is one of 12 Arizona museums to achieve it. So that you understand the weight of this accreditation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art also carries the same certification! In other words, the UAMA is in good company.
Today
Today the UA Museum of Art’s mission statement is this.
“The University of Arizona Museum of Art advances the academic and research mission of the University, inspires critical dialogue among campus and community audiences, and celebrates art as essential to our lives through the stewardship and interpretation of its expanding collection of art and archives.”
It upholds this mission in a variety of ways. The collections span not only ages but cultures as well. You will find all mediums, cultural influences, as well as a cornucopia of knowledge within its walls and archives. In conclusion, we promise the University of Arizona Museum of art does not disappoint.
Have fun, Tony Ray 😎
Certified Tourism Ambassador for Tucson AZ
Tucson Real Estate Agent Since 1994
University of Arizona Museum of Art
1031 North Olive Road
Tucson, AZ 85721-0002
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-4:30 pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and University Holidays
Admission:
$8 – General
$6 – Seniors 65+ and groups of 10+
Free for Museum members, students with ID, UArizona faculty and staff, active military personnel, AAM members, visitors with a SNAP card or Tribal ID, and children.
