Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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University of Oregon Museum of Art
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The main entrance to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
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 Location in University of Oregon Campus
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| Location | 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene, Oregon |
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| Built | 1930 |
| Architect | Ellis F. Lawrence |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001224 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1986 |
- There is also a Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Washington State University.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, often called the JSMA, is an art museum on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. The beautiful building was first designed by architect Ellis F. Lawrence.
A woman named Gertrude Bass Warner, who was an expert on Asian art, was the museum's first director. She helped design the building to make sure the art inside was kept safe with special climate controls. The museum is officially recognized for its high standards by the American Alliance of Museums.
Contents
The Museum's Story
A Gift of Art
The museum first opened in 1933. It was built to hold a huge gift of art from Gertrude Bass Warner. She gave the university her collection of over 3,700 pieces of Asian art, which was called the Murray Warner Collection of Oriental Art.
Mrs. Warner believed that art could help people from different cultures understand each other. She hoped the museum would teach students about friendship and peace with people from countries across the Pacific Ocean.
Growing and Changing
Between 2002 and 2005, the museum got a major upgrade and expansion. To thank the main person who donated money for the project, Jordan D. Schnitzer, the museum was renamed in his honor.
What is the Museum's Goal?
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art helps the University of Oregon teach students and the public about art. Its main goal is to help people enjoy and appreciate art from around the world.
The museum wants to be a place of discovery for everyone. It creates exhibits and programs that are interesting for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the only university art museum in Oregon that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, which shows its commitment to quality.
What Can You See Inside?
The JSMA has several galleries that are always open, showing art from its own large collection. You can see amazing art from China, Japan, and Korea. The museum also has a special collection of American art and modern art from Cuba. This includes original photographs by the famous Cuban photographer Alberto Korda.
The museum also has special galleries for temporary exhibits. These shows feature art from the museum's collection or borrowed from other places. They can be about different cultures from the past or present. The museum has also featured exhibits with art about important social topics, like the Black Lives Matter movement.
Wise Words on the Walls
If you look closely at the outside of the museum building, you can find three famous quotes carved into the stone.
- Above the main door is a quote from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible.
- On one side of the building, there is a passage from the ancient Greek philosopher Plato.
- On the other side, there is a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.
There is also a quote from the Psalms carved into the building's cornerstone.
See also
- Anne Rose Kitagawa
- Gertrude Bass Warner
- Encounter (sculpture)—a sculpture located next to the museum
