UMMA - The University of Michigan Museum of Art

The University of Michigan Museum of Art, widely known as UMMA, is one of the leading university art museums in the United States, blending academic inquiry with public engagement. Situated at the heart of the Ann Arbor campus, UMMA has long been a cornerstone for both the university community and the broader public, offering a space where art becomes a catalyst for conversation, learning, and inspiration.

The museum traces its origins back to 1946, when the Alumni Memorial Hall was transformed into an art museum. Since then, UMMA has expanded its role and reach, undergoing significant growth, including the addition of the Maxine and Stuart Frankel and the Frankel Family Wing in 2009, which doubled its gallery space. Today, it stands as an architecturally striking complex that unites historic character with contemporary design.

UMMA’s collection of more than 20,000 works spans centuries and continents. Visitors can explore European paintings, Asian ceramics, African sculpture, modern and contemporary art, and a growing body of works by underrepresented artists. The collection reflects both global breadth and academic depth, making it a valuable resource for scholarship while offering diverse perspectives to the public.

Education and accessibility are at the core of UMMA’s mission. The museum provides programs for students, faculty, and the local community, including lectures, performances, artist talks, and workshops that encourage active engagement with art. Its role extends beyond display, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across the university and serving as a living laboratory where ideas and creativity intersect.

As both a teaching museum and a cultural hub, UMMA connects people to art in ways that are personal, intellectual, and transformative. By balancing its academic foundation with community outreach, it continues to uphold its vision of making art an essential part of everyday life in Ann Arbor and beyond.