The William Benton Museum of Art, situated at the heart of the University of Connecticut campus at Storrs, has a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works of art dating from the 15th to the 21st century including significant works by Kathe Kollwitz, Reginald Marsh, Mary Cassatt, Ernest Lawson, Childe Hassam, Rembrandt Peale, Maurice Prendergast, Gustav Klimt and Georges Braque.
The Benton offers a broad range of changing exhibits, lectures, docent tours, musical programs and special events designed to serve the University, the community and the region.
The William Benton Museum of Art, The University of Connecticut, has been established for the collection, preservation, research, and interpretation of works of art. The Museum exists for the University of Connecticut academic community, for the citizens of the State of Connecticut, and for the general public to add through its educational and other programs to the greater understanding and appreciation of art.
The Benton officially opened in 1967 in one of the University's many Collegiate Gothic buildings which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The core of the collection came from former College President Charles Lewis Beach who bequeathed his impressive holdings of American art to the University on his death in 1933 along with a trust for acquisitions. Works by Childe Hassam, Henry Ward Ranger, Emil Carlson, Ernest Lawson and Guy Wiggins were among his collection. The University's art holdings grew in 1965 when Dr. Walter Landauer, a geneticist and professor, made a major gift of 107 Kahte Kollwitz prints. In 1967 University President Homer Babbidge established a permanent museum home for these collections and in 1972 the Museum was named in honor of William Benton, a successful advertising executive, diplomat, U.S. Senator from Connecticut and University trustee. Upon his death, the family gave the Museum an important collection of works by Reginald Marsh who had been a schoolmate of Benton's at Yale. In 2003 the Benton was expanded with the addition of The Evelyn Simon Gilman Gallery, The Museum Store and Cafe Muse.
A diverse selection of Girl Scout and K-12 education programs, Gallery tours, lectures, and changing exhibitions approximately every two months.
Exclusive docent-guided tours of special exhibitions provide historical context, illuminate overarching themes, and highlight individual artworks through detailed examinations. Tours may be available in several languages, including French, Spanish or Italian. Call at least two weeks in advance to inquire and schedule a tour of the exhibitions with your friends or colleagues.
Around almost every corner, there’s a surprise. Works of art are found across UConn’s Storrs campus, but what do they represent? And who made them? You can find out by joining a docent-led ‘art walk’. Bring your friends and colleagues for a lunchtime walk while you learn about the art on UConn’s campus. Wear your walking shoes! On scheduled tour days meet at the Benton Welcome Desk.
Partner with the Museum to support exhibitions and events. Benefits include prominent exposure for your company name and invitations to all museum programs and events. Your company will be prominently listed on our website, in the museum itself, and on associated publications. Please call 860-486-5084 for more information.
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