Harn Museum of Art

The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, located at the University of Florida in Gainesville, has been a vital cultural destination since its opening in 1990. Conceived as a place where art could inspire dialogue, learning, and connection, the Harn has grown into one of the largest university art museums in the Southeast, offering free admission to visitors from campus and the wider community. Its mission is to educate and enrich lives through the visual arts, using exhibitions, programs, and scholarship to spark meaningful conversations about both cultural heritage and contemporary issues.

The museum’s permanent collection now encompasses more than 13,000 works, with notable strengths in Asian, African, modern, and contemporary art, as well as photography. From historic masterpieces to bold contemporary expressions, the collection reflects the diversity of artistic traditions across the globe. The Harn is also home to significant outdoor spaces, including Asian rock and water gardens and a sculpture terrace, which extend the museum’s vision of integrating art into daily life.

Deeply connected to the academic mission of the University of Florida, the Harn fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas among students, faculty, scholars, and artists. Exhibitions and programs are designed to cultivate curiosity and encourage critical thinking, while also offering moments of beauty, reflection, and inspiration. Through lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiences, the museum makes art accessible to learners of all ages.

Beyond its academic role, the Harn has established itself as a gathering place for the wider Gainesville community. By welcoming diverse audiences and presenting art in engaging and relevant ways, it reinforces the value of creativity in shaping shared cultural experiences. The Harn Museum of Art continues to stand as a beacon of artistic discovery, where tradition and innovation meet in service of education, dialogue, and community.