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 (called UMMA for short) is a really big art museum. It's one of the largest at any university in the United States. You can find it in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The main building, called Alumni Memorial Hall, was built in 1909. It was a special place to remember students who had died in the American Civil War. This hall also held the university's growing art collection.

UMMA has an amazing collection of over 20,000 artworks. These pieces show more than 150 years of history from many different cultures. It's free to visit, but a $10 donation is suggested to help keep the museum running.

In 2009, the museum reopened after a huge update. The project cost $41.9 million and made the museum more than twice as big! The new design was created by Brad Cloepfil and Allied Works Architecture. Christina Olsen became the museum's director in 2017.

Building UMMA: A Look at Its History

Old University Museum, built in 1880. It once held the university's collections.

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

In 1904, a group of alumni (former students) and professors worked hard to get the land for the hall. This group was led by Professor Martin Luther D'Ooge and Judge Claudius B. Grant.

By 1905, the university chose the architecture firm Donaldson and Meier from Detroit to design the building. Construction began in June 1908. The hall was officially opened on May 11, 1910.

Alumni Memorial Hall's Design

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. There are also two smaller doors on the sides.

Inside, the hall still houses the Alumni Association's offices. It also holds the university's huge art collection. Many pieces were given by alumni, including a statue of the university's first president, Henry Philip Tappan.

Exploring UMMA's Art Collection

UMMA has a fantastic collection of art from all over the world. You can see paintings, sculptures, and other amazing works.

Permanent Artworks You Can Always See

The museum's permanent collection features art by many famous artists. Some of these include James McNeill Whistler, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Helen Frankenthaler. You can also find works by Kara Walker, Romare Bearden, and Katsushika Hokusai.

Outdoor Sculptures to Discover

Outside the museum, you can find several cool sculptures.

• The large sculpture Orion by Mark di Suvero was first placed here in 2008. After a short break for care, it was put back permanently in 2019.
• Another sculpture, Shang, was on loan to the university for many years. It stood outside from 2008 until 2020.
• In November 2020, a new piece by Jaume Plensa called Behind the Walls was installed.
• Other outdoor sculptures include Daedalus by Charles Ginnever and Ternary Marker by Beverly Pepper. There are also three pieces by Michele Oka Doner.

Special Temporary Exhibitions

UMMA also hosts special exhibitions that change over time. These shows feature different artists and themes. Past exhibitions have included works by Meleko Mokgosi, Mari Katayama, and Paul Rand.

Images for kids

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  European & American Art Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  Interior, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  Chinese Art Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  Modern & Contemporary Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  Open Storage, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  African Art Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  European Art (1100–1650) Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  Modern & Contemporary Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

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  South, Southeast, and Central Asian Art Gallery, University of Michigan Museum of Art

See Also

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