The Princeton University Art Museum is one of the nation's leading art museums, with collections of some 72,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary, concentrating geographically on the Mediterranean regions, Western Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As one of few university museums of truly universal scope in its collecting practices, we are delighted to share with you our collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and social opportunities.

Located at the heart of Princeton University in the charming smallcity setting of Princeton, New Jersey, but within easy reach of both New York and Philadelphia, the Museum is committed to advancing Princeton's teaching and research missions while serving as a gateway to the University for visitors from around the world. Intimate in scale yet expansive in scope, the Museum offers a respite from the rush of daily life, a revitalizing experience of extraordinary works of art, and opportunities to delve deeply into the study of art.

The Museum was founded in 1882 on the belief that the study of great original works of art was essential to higher education and the development of an enlightened citizenry. Occupying the site of the first museum building erected in 1890, the Museum continues to share McCormick Hall with the University's Department of Art and Archaeology and Marquand Library, collectively forming one of the world's most important centers for the study of the fine arts.

Arranged on two floors, highlights from the collections are installed along roughly chronological and cultural lines and are rotated regularly. In addition to its collections, the Museum mounts an ambitious program of a dozen special exhibitions each year, along with offering lectures, artist talks, scholarly symposia, concerts, film screenings, and family programs. The Art Museum's publications program is one of the richest among U.S. museums; featured publications are available for purchase in the Museum Store.

The Museum's scope extends well beyond its walls; while visiting the Princeton campus, we hope you'll explore the John B. Putnam Jr., Memorial Collection of sculpture installed across the campus, including works by many of the greatest masters of 20th- and 21st-century art.

Related Links

American Association of Museums

Association of Art Museum Directors

College Art Association