The Smart Museum of Art in Chicago, nestled within the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, has been a vital force in the art community for 50 years. It has not only captivated visitors with its ever-evolving exhibitions but also carved a niche as an educational and cultural landmark. This museum combines an innovative approach to art with its dedication to public engagement, making it one of Chicago’s most distinguished museums. With free admission, the Smart Museum invites visitors from around the world to experience its dynamic collection, participate in public programs, and engage in meaningful discourse on art, culture, and society.
Smart Museum of Art, Chicago
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| The Smart Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Chicago. Source: Wikipedia |
About the Smart Museum of Art, Chicago
The Smart Museum of Art serves as the University of Chicago’s fine arts museum. Founded in 1974, it has since become a beacon of academic inquiry, cultural engagement, and artistic exploration. Its exhibitions and programs explore a broad array of themes, from historical art to contemporary social issues, and actively seek to foster community engagement. In 2024, the Smart Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of events and exhibitions that underscore its longstanding commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community involvement.
The museum’s mission is to connect art with people by addressing pressing issues and sparking intellectual curiosity. Through collaborative partnerships and diverse programming, the Smart Museum has extended its influence across Chicago and beyond, making art accessible and relevant to a wide array of audiences.
History of the Smart Museum of Art
Founding and Early Years
The Smart Museum of Art was founded as the David and Alfred Smart Gallery in 1974. The museum was named in honor of David and Alfred Smart, visionary Chicago publishers who helped revolutionize American media and culture. The Smart brothers were instrumental in launching Esquire Magazine in 1933, a magazine that became an icon of sophisticated journalism, art, and style during the Great Depression. They later published Coronet and Verve, which introduced a broader audience to fine art and avant-garde design. The Smart Family Foundation, created by David and Alfred, made a substantial gift to the University of Chicago to establish an art museum that would serve both the university community and the public.
The museum’s original structure was designed by renowned Chicago-born architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. With a focus on simplicity and elegance, the building was intended to allow the art itself to be the focal point. Edward H. Levi, then President of the University of Chicago, highlighted this vision, noting that the museum was “designed to display rather than detract from the works exhibited.”
Growth and Expansion
Initially, the Smart Museum operated under the administration of the university's art history department, but by the 1980s, it gained autonomy and began expanding its outreach. In the 1990s, the museum began a period of rapid growth, launching programs for local public schools and enhancing collaborations with faculty to integrate art into the University’s curriculum.
In 1999, the museum received a generous $5 million bequest from Paul and Miriam Kirkley. This endowment enabled the Smart Museum to expand its art acquisitions and increase its impact on the academic community and public. As a result, the museum now has a broader collection and offers even more resources for research, education, and public engagement.
Today, the Smart Museum of Art remains a forward-thinking institution with a commitment to exploring big ideas, supporting innovative art, and engaging with the community.
The Smart Museum Building: A Modernist Marvel
Architectural Design and Features
The Smart Museum of Art is part of a limestone-paneled, modernist structure designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Located alongside the Cochrane-Woods Art Center, the museum’s design reflects a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and functional simplicity. The building’s serene sculpture garden provides a contemplative space for visitors, serving as a bridge between the indoor galleries and the outside world.
In 1999, the interior of the museum was reconfigured under the guidance of Vinci/Hamp Architects, transforming the gallery spaces to improve natural lighting and create a more inviting experience. In 2008, Chandra Goldsmith and the Chicago-based firm UrbanLab redesigned the courtyard, incorporating a quilt-like arrangement of natural elements, river stones, and sculptures to enhance the museum’s outdoor appeal.
Exhibitions and Programs: Celebrating Art and Culture
Landmark Exhibitions
The Smart Museum of Art has hosted numerous influential exhibitions that have expanded its reach and reputation. Notable exhibitions include:
- Between Past and Future: New Photography and Video from China (2004): This groundbreaking exhibition introduced contemporary Chinese art to American audiences, showcasing innovative uses of photography and video.
- Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Cave Temples of Xiangtangshan (2010): A captivating exhibition that transported visitors to ancient China, exploring Buddhist art and the architectural splendor of cave temples.
- Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art (2012): A thought-provoking examination of food, culture, and social practice, exploring the ways in which sharing meals can build community and foster relationships.
These exhibitions have often traveled internationally, amplifying the museum’s impact and its commitment to diverse, global perspectives.
50th Anniversary Celebration: The 50x50 Program Series
In 2024, the Smart Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary with the 50x50 program series, which spotlights its history of innovation and engagement. This special series includes newly commissioned artworks, fresh exhibitions, and interactive programs that engage audiences in creative and critical dialogues. The 50x50 program reflects the museum’s dedication to community engagement and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the museum’s evolving collection and vision for the future.
Community Engagement and Public Practice
The Smart Museum of Art (Wikipedia) prioritizes community engagement through its public practice initiatives. These programs, designed to foster cultural and civic dialogue, include workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects that address current social, political, and cultural issues. Rooted in its South Side Chicago location, the museum has become a vital space for public discourse, empowering individuals and communities through art.
In addition to its public programs, the Smart Museum collaborates with a broad network of cultural, educational, and civic organizations, multiplying its reach and impact. Through these partnerships, the museum has become an integral part of the Hyde Park neighborhood, drawing people from all over Chicago.
Academic Inquiry: The Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry
The Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry was established in 2018 to promote the use of art as an academic resource at the University of Chicago. Supported by a $5 million gift from Joan and Robert Feitler, the center is dedicated to encouraging students and faculty to engage deeply with the museum’s collection through research, teaching, and scholarship.
The Feitler Center serves as a resource for students across all disciplines, offering unique learning opportunities through curated exhibitions and access to study rooms. The center fosters interdisciplinary scholarship and upholds the university’s commitment to free and open discourse, making art an integral part of the university’s academic environment.
For academic inquiries or to arrange a visit to the study room, contact the Feitler Center at feitlercenter@uchicago.edu. To see the Smart Museum of Art's collection here.
Visitor Information and Admission
The Smart Museum of Art offers free admission, allowing everyone to experience its collection and exhibitions.
- Location: Easily accessible by car or public transit, the Smart Museum is located on the north edge of the University of Chicago's campus in Hyde Park (7.5 miles south of the Loop).
- Address: 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
- Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am – 4:30 pm
- Admission: Free
Group Visits and Tours
- University Classes: Schedule class visits and research appointments through the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry (feitlercenter@uchicago.edu) at least two weeks in advance.
- K-12 and Other Groups: Contact Meg Jackson Fox (Meg Jackson Fox) to check availability and schedule guided or self-guided group visits.
Contact: Visitor Services | Phone: 773.702.0200 | Email: smart-museum@uchicago.edu
Don't miss this opportunity to explore art, history, and innovation at the Smart Museum of Art!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is admission to the Smart Museum free?
Yes! Thanks to support from the SmartPartners, admission to the Smart Museum of Art is always free.Who were David and Alfred Smart?
David and Alfred Smart were influential publishers who created Esquire magazine and other cultural publications, founding the Smart Family Foundation to support the arts.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available for university classes, K–12 schools, and public groups. Contact the museum in advance to schedule a tour.What is the 50x50 program series?
In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Smart Museum is hosting the 50x50 program series, a collection of exhibitions and programs that explore the museum’s history and impact.How can I contact the Feitler Center?
For inquiries related to academic programming or study room visits, contact the Feitler Center at feitlercenter@uchicago.edu.Conclusion
The Smart Museum of Art is a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural landscape, providing a welcoming space for art appreciation, academic inquiry, and community engagement. As it approaches its 50th anniversary, the Smart Museum continues to honor its founders' vision by fostering a dynamic environment where art, scholarship, and social dialogue intersect. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the world of fine arts, the Smart Museum of Art offers an enriching experience that’s not to be missed.
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