The University of Florida Art Museum, commonly referred to as the Harn Museum of Art, is a premier cultural institution located in Gainesville, Florida. With a collection of over 13,000 works of art, the museum showcases a diverse range of local, national, and international masterpieces. The museum's permanent collection includes Asian art, African art, photography, and contemporary art, among other genres. Visitors can explore the museum's rotating exhibitions, which feature works by local and regional artists, as well as national and international loan exhibitions.
History and Architecture
The Harn Museum of Art was established in 1990 with a donation from Samuel P. Harn, a prominent businessman and art collector. The museum’s original building was designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes and features a stunning atrium with a glass ceiling, providing natural light and a sense of openness. In 2012, the museum underwent a major expansion, adding 18,000 square feet of exhibition space and a new outdoor sculpture garden. The expansion was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey and features a sleek, modern design that complements the original building.
Permanent Collections
The Harn Museum of Art’s permanent collections are a highlight of the museum, featuring over 13,000 works of art. The Asian art collection includes ceramics, sculpture, and paintings from China, Japan, and Korea, spanning over 5,000 years of history. The African art collection features a diverse range of works, including masks, sculpture, and textiles from over 20 African countries. The museum’s photography collection includes works by renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange, as well as contemporary photographers like Cindy Sherman and Richard Misrach.
| Collection | Number of Works |
|---|---|
| Asian Art | 2,500 |
| African Art | 1,500 |
| Photography | 1,000 |
| Contemporary Art | 3,000 |
Exhibitions and Programs
The Harn Museum of Art offers a range of exhibitions and programs throughout the year, including rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. The museum’s Rotating Exhibitions feature works by local, national, and international artists, and are designed to showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. The museum’s Artist Talks series provides a unique opportunity for visitors to hear from artists and learn about their creative process, while the Workshops series offers hands-on art-making experiences for adults and children.
Community Engagement
The Harn Museum of Art is committed to community engagement and outreach, with a range of programs and initiatives designed to promote arts education and accessibility. The museum’s Art for All program provides free admission to the museum for all visitors, while the Art Reach program offers art-making experiences for underserved communities. The museum also partners with local schools and organizations to provide arts education and outreach programs, including the UF Art Museum School program, which provides arts education for children and teens.
- Art for All: free admission to the museum for all visitors
- Art Reach: art-making experiences for underserved communities
- UF Art Museum School: arts education for children and teens
What are the museum’s hours of operation?
+The Harn Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
How much does it cost to visit the museum?
+Admission to the Harn Museum of Art is free for all visitors, thanks to the museum’s Art for All program.
What types of exhibitions and programs does the museum offer?
+The Harn Museum of Art offers a range of exhibitions and programs, including rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. The museum also offers community engagement and outreach programs, including arts education and accessibility initiatives.
