The Yale University Art Gallery is a cultural cornerstone tucked within the historic, ivy-covered walls of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1832, it holds the distinction of being the first college art museum in the United States. With over 200,000 works housed in three architecturally significant buildings, the Gallery offers a world-class experience for anyone interested in art, design, and history. And the best part? Admission is completely free.

Recommended For

If you’re exploring New Haven or looking for a dose of artistic inspiration, the Yale University Art Gallery is perfect for:

  • Art Lovers: Dive into a world-class collection spanning centuries and continents.
  • Architecture Aficionados: Explore three interconnected buildings, including a Louis Kahn masterpiece.
  • Students & Researchers: Access an academic treasure trove for research and hands-on learning.
  • Families & Educators: Take advantage of kid-friendly programming and resources for teaching art appreciation.

Gallery Buildings & Architecture

The Gallery is housed in three unique structures, each representing a piece of its long history:

  • Street Hall (1866): Once home to the Yale School of Fine Arts, it was one of the first American art schools to admit both men and women.
  • Old Yale Art Gallery Building (1928): Designed to unite Yale’s art collections, it features symbolic architectural sculptures on its connecting bridge to Street Hall.
  • The Louis Kahn Building (1953): A modernist icon constructed with masonry, concrete, glass, and steel—celebrated for its striking form and pioneering structure.

Collections & Highlights

The Gallery features 13 major collections with more than 200,000 objects that span the globe. Highlights include:

  • African Art
  • American Paintings and Sculpture
  • Asian Art
  • Modern and Contemporary Art
  • Ancient Art and Art of the Ancient Americas
  • Prints, Photographs, and Coins

The collection reflects both Eastern and Western cultures, offering visitors an expansive view of global artistic traditions.

Programs & Tours

The Gallery is committed to making art accessible through education and engagement. Here’s how you can explore:

  • Self-Guided Visits: Roam the galleries at your own pace—perfect for a relaxed outing.
  • Group & Student Tours: Schedule a deeper dive into the collections with expert guides.
  • Ongoing Programs: Attend lectures, workshops, artist talks, readings, and film screenings.
  • Educational Resources: Explore materials for educators and families to promote art learning at any age.

Renovation & Expansion

A transformative renovation completed in 2012 unified the Gallery's three buildings. Enhancements included:

  • Upper-level additions to the Old Yale Art Gallery
  • A rooftop sculpture terrace
  • Eight new classrooms
  • The Nolen Center for Art and Education

These updates support the Gallery’s mission to foster appreciation and understanding of art through direct engagement with original works.

Plan Your Visit

  • Admission: Free and open to the public
  • Dining: No café onsite, but plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby
  • Parking: Discounted parking available nearby; metered street parking also an option. View downtown parking map
  • Accessibility: The Gallery is fully accessible
  • Surrounding Area: Enjoy historic New Haven, filled with museums, parks, and Yale’s iconic architecture

Contact Information

  • Address: 1111 Chapel Street at York, New Haven, CT 06520
  • Phone: 203-432-0600

Tip: Give yourself plenty of time—this is one of those places where an hour can easily turn into an entire afternoon.

Map:


Plan Your Trip