The Yale University Art Gallery is located within the ivy covered walls of Yale University in New Haven, CT. The original Yale University Art Gallery was founded in 1832 and its history is quite extensive and intriguing.

The neoclassical building that the initial collection was housed in was designed by history painter and portraitist, John Trumbull. He designed the building to house the 88 paintings and portraits that he sold to Yale University. The Trumbull Gallery became the first college art museum in the United States. Sadly, the Trumbull Gallery is no longer standing and Yale University's Art Gallery collection is currently housed amongst three historic structures: Street Hall (1866), Old Yale Art Gallery Building (1928), and the Louis Kahn Building (1953). Click here to see the downtown parking map if you are traveling by car.

  • What is the history of the Yale University Art Gallery?
    • The neoclassical building that the initial Yale University Art Gallery collection was housed in was designed by history painter and portraitist, John Trumbull. He designed the building to house the 88 paintings and portraits that he sold to Yale University.
    • The Trumbull Gallery became the first college art museum in the United States. Sadly, the Trumbull Gallery is no longer standing, and Yale University's Art Gallery collection is currently housed amongst three historic structures: Street Hall (1866), Old Yale Art Gallery Building (1928), and the Louis Kahn Building (1953). Click here to see the downtown parking map if you are traveling by car.
  • What are the three buildings that make up the Yale University Art Gallery?
    • Street Hall was originally opened in 1866 as the Yale School of Fine Arts. It was designed by Peter Bonnett Write and named after Augustus Russell Street, who donated the funds for its construction. It was the first art school on an American college campus and one of the first to allow classes for both male and female students simultaneously.
    • Old Yale Art Gallery Building was designed by Egerton Swartout to unite the University's art collections. It was completed in 1928, and a bridge was built between it and Street Hall to connect the spaces. This bridge features architectural personifications symbolizing architecture, drama, painting, and sculpture.
    • The Louis Kahn Building was opened in 1953 and is the first modernist building at Yale University. Constructed of masonry, concrete, glass, and steel, Kahn’s design has been celebrated for its beauty and structural innovations.
  • When was the Yale University Art Gallery renovated?
    • The Gallery began a major renovation of all three buildings in 2004 after then-Yale President Richard Levin and his staff requested a plan to enhance the museum’s mission.
    • The renovations were completed in 2012 and included additions to the upper level of the Old Yale Art Gallery, a rooftop sculpture terrace, eight new classrooms, and the development of the Nolen Center for Art and Education.
  • What is the mission of the Yale University Art Gallery?
    • The mission of the Gallery is to "encourage appreciation and understanding of art and its role in society through direct engagement with original works of art". Through exhibitions, the Gallery aims to engage students, faculty, staff, and the community as a whole.
  • How many collections does the Yale University Art Gallery have?
    • There are 13 major collections consisting of more than 200,000 objects, representing both Eastern and Western cultures from ancient times to the present day.
  • What types of artwork are included in the Yale University Art Gallery collections?
    • The collections include: African Art, American Decorative Arts, American Paintings and Sculpture, Ancient Art, Art of the Ancient Americas, Arts of Islam, Asian Art, Coins and Medals, European Art, Indo-Pacific Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, Photographs, and Prints and Drawings.
  • What ongoing programs does the Yale University Art Gallery offer?
    • The Yale University Art Gallery hosts a variety of ongoing programs focused on education and art awareness. The Gallery provides resources for educators and parents to engage children in art appreciation.
    • Other programs include lectures, workshops, artist talks, readings, and film screenings. Yale University students and faculty also use the Gallery space for research and education year-round.
  • Is the Yale University Art Gallery free to visit?
    • The Yale University Art Gallery is free and open to the public. It offers a variety of touring options including group tours, student tours, and self-guided tours.
  • Are there dining options at the Gallery?
    • There is no cafe on the Gallery property, but there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
  • Is there parking available for visitors?
    • There is discounted parking available nearby for visitors attending the Gallery, but street parking is metered.
  • What is the surrounding area like?
    • The surrounding New Haven area is a bustling and historic town filled with museums, cafes, parks, breath-taking architecture, and renowned cultural spots.
  • Where is the Yale University Art Gallery located?

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