UMMA: University of Michigan Museum of Art

05/27/2026

While Alumni Memorial Hall is under construction, we are revisiting moments from the building's past. 🏛️🔎

Did you know that UMMA moved into Alumni Memorial Hall in 1946 after becoming its own administrative unit? In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Museum leadership at the time reimagined UMMA's central apse by quite literally creating a space within a space.

A modern structure reminiscent of scaffolding and office cubicles was installed in the center of the room, introducing new gallery walls, additional floors and levels, and multiple staircases.

This addition created extra surfaces for displaying art and transformed the experience of moving through the gallery, showing how the building has continually evolved to meet the needs of the Museum and its visitors.

Curious what art was on the wall during this time period? Check out the myUMMA group for a selected list. Link in comments! 🔗

📸: Photos from UMMA's historical records at the Bentley Historical Library

05/21/2026

The work continues in Alumni Memorial Hall! 🧱🔨

Tile removal has finished along with the iconic spiral stairwell in Alumni Memorial Hall. It offers a reminder that these have not always been the only stairs in the space. In fact, in the 1960s, the space looked dramatically different from the open room many visitors know today. Want the full update?

Read the blog, link in comments! 🔗

📸 #1: Photo by Neil Kagerer. Taken at Bentley Historical Library, Museum of Art (University of Michigan) records, Galleries, Alumni Memorial Hall, 1960s.

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Join our Team!!!
UMMA is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Development Coordinator to provide essential support across the Museum’s Development Department!

Help us build meaningful donor relationships that fuel extraordinary art experiences for students, campus, and the wider community. 🤝

Sound like your next move?
Apply today; the application closes June 1, 2026.

🔗 Link in the comments!

05/14/2026

A look through our Modern & Contemporary Art Gallery. 🖼️

05/13/2026

Stop in, explore, and discover what makes you feel free. ✨

05/11/2026

05/07/2026

Experience “Tusukane” by multidisciplinary artist Kaloki Nyamai on view at UMMA through Spring 2026. Nyamai’s large-scale mixed media work is rooted in identity, memory, and spirituality.

Inspired by Kamba stories and shaped through materials like acrylic, sisal rope, photo transfers, and stitched yarn, his work blurs the line between painting, sculpture, and installation, inviting reflection, healing, and renewal.

Discover it all, visit UMMA today! ✨

05/05/2026

We’re excited to expand UMMA’s Gallery Educator Program, extending its impact through a new course with the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education.

By building on this model, we’re creating more opportunities for hands-on, student-centered learning in the galleries.

Read more below, with the link in the comments!

04/24/2026

Art in a floral frame 🌸