John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art

The Lilley Museum of Art is a cultural institution dedicated to enriching the intellectual and creative life of its community through meaningful engagement with art. Located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, the museum serves as both an academic resource and a public space where students, faculty, and visitors can encounter diverse artistic perspectives. Guided by the belief that art fosters curiosity, empathy, and dialogue, the Lilley positions itself as a place where learning extends beyond the classroom and into shared cultural experience.

Photography is an important component of the Lilley Museum of Art’s exhibitions and collection, reflecting the medium’s ability to bridge documentation, artistic expression, and critical inquiry. Through photographic works, the museum highlights themes such as place, identity, environment, and social change, often drawing connections between regional narratives and global concerns. Photography exhibitions at the Lilley frequently emphasize visual storytelling and experimentation, offering viewers insight into how the photographic image continues to evolve while remaining rooted in observation and craft.

As part of a university setting, the museum places strong emphasis on education and interdisciplinary exchange. Photography plays a vital role in this mission, serving students across disciplines as a tool for research, analysis, and creative exploration. Exhibitions are often accompanied by lectures, class visits, and public programs that encourage close looking and critical discussion, reinforcing photography’s relevance within both artistic and academic contexts. The museum’s collection further supports this goal by providing access to works that illustrate different photographic approaches and historical moments.

The Lilley Museum of Art aspires to be a center of cultural life on campus and beyond, welcoming a broad and diverse audience. By integrating photography into its programming alongside other visual arts, the museum underscores the medium’s enduring power to connect people and ideas. Through thoughtful exhibitions and educational initiatives, the Lilley continues to affirm art’s role as a catalyst for creativity, understanding, and community engagement in northern Nevada and the wider cultural landscape.