University of Michigan Museum of Art facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Michigan
Museum of Art

Location	Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Type	Art museum

The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is one of the biggest university art museums in the United States. It is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The museum covers about 94,000 square feet.

UMMA was first built in 1909. It was a memorial for students and teachers from the University of Michigan who died in the American Civil War. This building was called Alumni Memorial Hall. It held the university's growing art collection.

The museum has a huge collection of over 20,000 artworks. These pieces come from many different cultures and time periods. It's like a journey through art history! The best part? Admission to UMMA is free for everyone.

In 2009, the museum got a big makeover and expansion. This project cost $41.9 million. It made the museum more than twice its original size. The new parts include the Maxine and Stuart Frankel and the Frankel Family Wing.

Building the Museum

Blueprint of the first floor of Alumni Memorial Hall

The idea for Alumni Memorial Hall started in 1864. It was meant to honor those from the University of Michigan who died in the Civil War. But the plan was put on hold for many years.

In 1904, a group of alumni (former students) and professors restarted the project. They got the land for the hall. Then, in 1905, the university chose an architecture firm called Donaldson and Meier to design the building. The cost was about $175,000.

Judge Grant laying the cornerstone of Alumni Memorial Hall in June 1908

Construction began in June 1908. The main stone of the building was laid by Judge Claudius B. Grant. Alumni Memorial Hall was officially opened on May 11, 1910. The final cost was $190,000.

The hall was built in a style called neoclassical. This means it looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It has two large stone columns next to the main bronze doors. Inside, you can still find the Alumni Association's offices. The building also displays many artworks. These include pieces donated by alumni. There is even a bust of the university's first president, Henry Philip Tappan.

Art Collection

UMMA has an amazing collection of art. It includes paintings, sculptures, and more. You can see works from famous artists from all over the world.

Artworks Inside

The museum's permanent collection features art by many well-known artists. Some of these include James McNeill Whistler, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Helen Frankenthaler. You can also find art by Kara Walker, Romare Bearden, and Katsushika Hokusai. There are pieces from different time periods and cultures.

Outdoor Sculptures

UMMA also has cool sculptures outside the building. These add to the museum's artistic vibe.

• Orion by Mark di Suvero is a large sculpture. It was first placed outside the museum in 2008. After a short break for care, it was put back permanently in 2019.
• Shang was another kinetic (moving) sculpture. It was on loan to the university from 2008 to 2020.
• In 2020, a new sculpture called Behind the Walls by Jaume Plensa was installed. It took the place of Shang.
• Other sculptures you can see outside include Daedalus by Charles Ginnever. There's also Ternary Marker by Beverly Pepper. You can also find Stiff Box No. 12 by Lucas Samaras.

Special Exhibitions

Besides its permanent collection, UMMA often hosts temporary exhibitions. These shows feature different artists and themes. Past exhibitions have included works by Meleko Mokgosi and Mari Katayama. These special shows mean there's always something new to see!

Gallery

See Also

• Cranbrook Art Museum
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Museums at the University of Michigan