Kooyumjian Gallery at Webster University

The Kooyumjian Gallery at Webster University has been a cornerstone for photography and media arts since its establishment in 1988. Conceived as a nonprofit gallery, it was created with the intention of giving both emerging and established photographers a platform to exhibit their work. Over the years, it has become a vibrant space for showcasing a wide spectrum of photographic practices, from student projects to the works of acclaimed international artists.

In 2022, the gallery underwent a major transformation with the renovation of the School of Communications Sverdrup west wing. This expansion provided the Kooyumjian Gallery with a newly designed space that better serves its mission of presenting thought-provoking exhibitions and fostering dialogue around photography and media arts. The upgraded setting allows for a more dynamic presentation of photographic works, enhancing the viewing experience for students, faculty, and the wider community.

Central to the gallery’s programming is its commitment to photography. Exhibitions often highlight both contemporary and historical approaches, encouraging visitors to reflect on the ways in which photography documents, interprets, and challenges our understanding of the world. For students, the gallery serves as an invaluable resource, offering firsthand exposure to professional work while also granting them opportunities to see their own art displayed in a professional context.

Beyond its role as a teaching space, the Kooyumjian Gallery has become a hub for cultural engagement. By hosting exhibitions that feature local, national, and international photographers, it connects Webster University to the broader art community. With free admission to all events and exhibitions, the gallery invites the public to experience the richness of photographic expression, reinforcing its mission to support education, creativity, and accessibility in the arts.