One more place to enjoy near Ann Arbor in Michigan
The University of Michigan Museum of Art, known locally as UMMA, is one of the largest university art museums in the United States, housing a permanent collection of over 21,000 works spanning centuries and cultures. Located at the heart of the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, the museum offers free admission to all visitors and serves as both a major cultural institution and a dynamic teaching resource for students and the community. The striking Maxine and Stuart Frankel Wing, a modern glass and limestone structure added in 2009, doubled the museum’s size and transformed it into a contemporary architectural landmark.
UMMA traces its origins to 1856 when university alumni and friends first began donating works of art to the university with the vision of creating a public art collection. The museum was formally established in 1946 with the construction of Alumni Memorial Hall, a neoclassical building that still serves as one of UMMA’s primary exhibition spaces. The collection grew significantly through the generosity of donors like Maxine and Stuart Frankel, whose transformative gift made the modern expansion possible, and through strategic acquisitions guided by the museum’s curatorial staff.
The museum’s permanent collection is remarkably diverse, ranging from European Old Master paintings and Chinese ceramics to African sculpture and contemporary installations. Major holdings include works by Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, Helen Frankenthaler, and Andy Warhol, placing UMMA among the more distinguished university art collections in the country. The museum is also known for its extensive collection of Asian art, featuring more than 4,500 objects spanning 5,000 years, making it one of the most significant university collections of Asian art in the country. Rotating exhibitions drawn from the permanent collection ensure there is always something new to discover on each visit.
Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries at their own pace or join one of the docent-led tours offered on weekends. The UMMA Store features art-inspired gifts, books, and jewelry created by local and regional artisans. The museum regularly hosts Art Making Workshops, gallery talks, and film screenings that engage visitors with the creative process. The UMMA Cafe in the Frankel Wing provides a welcoming space with locally sourced fare and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the campus sculpture garden.
The Outdoor Sculpture Court features large-scale works including pieces by Mark di Suvero and Michele Oka Doner, inviting visitors to experience art in an open-air setting. The Apse, a preserved architectural feature from the original Alumni Memorial Hall, serves as an intimate gallery space for special installations. The Vertical Gallery, a soaring three-story space, is designed to showcase monumental contemporary works that would be impossible to display in traditional gallery rooms. Temporary exhibitions bring major traveling shows to Ann Arbor, often featuring internationally recognized artists and thematic explorations of art history.
UMMA is open year-round, but the best visiting experience comes during the academic year from September through May when the museum’s full programming schedule is in effect, including lectures, concerts, and the popular UMMA After Hours evening events. Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest times for a contemplative visit, while weekends bring more visitors and special programming. Summer months feature a lighter schedule but offer the advantage of exploring the outdoor sculpture spaces in warm Michigan weather. The museum is closed on Mondays and major university holidays, so planning ahead is recommended.