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Block Museum of Art: A Northwestern University Gem

Explore diverse art exhibitions and a growing collection at Northwestern University's Block Museum of Art. Free admission for all!

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The Block Museum of Art, located on Northwestern University's Evanston campus, offers a diverse collection of art from various periods and cultures. With a focus on prints, drawings, and photography, the museum provides a dynamic space for learning and engagement with the visual arts. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.

A brief summary to Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University

Local tips

  • Check the Block Museum's website for current exhibitions, events, and film screenings before your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and explore the museum's diverse collection of prints, drawings, and photographs.
  • Visit the Block Spot, a comfortable lounge area, for studying or socializing.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Northwestern University's main campus, the Block Museum of Art is located at 40 Arts Circle Drive. It's a short walk from most academic buildings and residential areas. Follow the signs for the Arts Circle, and you'll find the museum easily accessible on foot.

  • Public Transport

    The Evanston campus is accessible via the CTA Purple Line. Get off at the Davis, Foster, or Noyes stops. From Davis, you can take the #201 bus. Several CTA and Pace buses also serve the Northwestern University area. Check the CTA or Pace websites for schedules and routes. A single ride on the 'L' costs $2.50.

  • Driving

    From the west, take Dempster St. east into Evanston. Turn left at Chicago Ave. and proceed to Church St. Turn right on Church and follow it to Sheridan Rd. Turn left onto Sheridan. Turn right on to Campus Dr. as Sheridan veers west. The Block offers free two-hour validation for parking in the automated garage at 1847 Campus Drive. When exiting the garage insert your original ticket and the scan the second green validation ticket at the scanner. After the validation period, standard parking rates apply.

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Discover more about Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University

The Block Museum of Art, established in 1980 through a donation from Mary and Leigh B. Block, serves as a vital cultural and educational resource for Northwestern University and the surrounding communities. The museum's collection has grown to include over 6,000 artworks, emphasizing prints, drawings, and photographs by American and European modern and contemporary artists. Specialized collections feature American computer-generated art, Chicago-based printmakers from the 1930s and 40s, and South African prints from the early 1990s. The Block Museum's exhibitions span diverse time periods and cultures, exploring historical and contemporary themes. Recent acquisitions include works by internationally recognized contemporary artists across various media. The museum also commissions new works to foster connections between artists and the public. The museum's building, designed by Dirk Lohan, offers 5,600 square feet of display space across three galleries. In addition to its galleries, the Block Museum features the Block Cinema, which screens classic and contemporary films, and the Block Spot, a lounge area for students. The Eloise W. Martin Study Center provides an intimate setting for studying artwork from the museum's collection. The Block Museum actively collaborates with museums worldwide, organizing traveling exhibitions and fostering academic partnerships. It also hosts lectures, symposia, and workshops involving artists, scholars, and critics.

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