Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Name	Nasher Museum of Art
Established	2005
Location	2001 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina
Type	University art museum
Director	Trevor Schoonmaker
Architect	Rafael Viñoly
Website	https://nasher.duke.edu/

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is the art museum of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Opened in 2005, it is named for the family of longtime benefactors Raymond and Patsy Nasher. The museum serves as a major cultural resource for the Research Triangle and is renowned for its collections of contemporary art, classical antiquities, and pre-Columbian artifacts.

History

The museum's origins trace to the 1969 founding of the Duke University Museum of Art, which was housed in a former science building. A transformative gift from the Nasher family in 1999 enabled the construction of a new, purpose-built facility. The new museum, designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, opened to the public on October 2, 2005, under the leadership of director Kimerly Rorschach. It succeeded the former Duke University Museum of Art and significantly expanded the university's capacity for exhibition, education, and public programming. Subsequent directors have included Sarah Schroth and, since 2020, Trevor Schoonmaker, who previously served as the museum's curator of contemporary art.

Architecture

The 65,000-square-foot building was designed by Uruguayan-American architect Rafael Viñoly, known for projects like the Tokyo International Forum and the Cleveland Museum of Art expansion. The design features a soaring, glass-walled entrance pavilion and five interconnected pavilions clad in pre-cast concrete and copper. The structure is organized around a central courtyard and makes extensive use of natural light. Key interior spaces include the 3,800-square-foot Mary D.B.T. and James H. Semans Gallery, the 154-seat auditorium, and the museum store. The architecture has received awards from organizations including the American Institute of Architects.

Collections

The museum's permanent collection comprises over 13,000 objects, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary art, European medieval art, and the arts of the Americas. Notable holdings include significant works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Kehinde Wiley, Catherine Opie, and Shahzia Sikander. The collection of ancient art features Greek and Roman antiquities, while the pre-Columbian collection includes important ceramics from cultures like the Maya and Moche. The museum also holds a major collection of works on paper, including European old master prints and drawings, and actively acquires contemporary art through gifts and purchases, such as the recent acquisition of works by Mickalene Thomas and Rashid Johnson.

Exhibitions

The Nasher organizes a dynamic schedule of temporary exhibitions, often curated by its own staff, that range from historical surveys to cutting-edge contemporary projects. Notable past exhibitions include *The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl* (2010), *Wangechi Mutu: A Fantastic Journey* (2013), and *Southern Accent: Seeking the American South in Contemporary Art* (2016), co-organized with the Speed Art Museum. The museum has also presented major traveling exhibitions from institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Under director Trevor Schoonmaker, it mounted the first U.S. retrospective of Nigerian-born artist Odili Donald Odita in 2022.

Programs and education

The museum runs extensive educational initiatives serving Duke University students, faculty, and the wider public. Programs include academic collaborations with departments like the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke, artist talks, film screenings, and family days. The museum's academic outreach includes the Faculty Exhibition Program and the Student Advisory Board. Public programs often feature prominent artists, scholars, and critics, such as lectures by Thelma Golden of the Studio Museum in Harlem and conversations with artists like Julie Mehretu. The museum also offers guided tours, teacher workshops, and digital learning resources.

Management and funding

The museum is an integral part of Duke University, reporting through the Office of the Provost. Its operations are supported by the university's endowment, earned revenue, and philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Key support has come from the Nasher family, the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The museum is governed by a Board of Advisors and employs a professional staff of curators, educators, registrars, and development officers. It maintains partnerships with other cultural institutions, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Category:Art museums in North Carolina Category:Duke University Category:Museums established in 2005 Category:2005 establishments in North Carolina