About
About
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a major center for the arts in Durham, North Carolina, and the surrounding region. The 65,000-square-foot building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. Since opening in 2005, the museum has organized and presented leading-edge exhibitions that travel worldwide. From the beginning, the Nasher Museum has been dedicated to building a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art. In this effort, the museum’s collection strategy emphasizes works by diverse artists who have been historically underrepresented.
Public programs include lectures, talks, educational tours and events featuring artists, scholars and community leaders. The Nasher Museum Café features local, seasonal ingredients for lunch on weekdays, dinner on Thursdays and brunch on weekends. Parker & Otis at the Nasher Museum offers gifts inspired by art. More than 1 million people have visited the museum since 2005.
Free admission for all. Courtesy of Jennifer McCracken New and Jason New.
Mission
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University promotes engagement with the visual arts for the Duke and Durham communities. The museum is dedicated to presenting innovative, inclusive and accessible collections, exhibitions, publications and programs that stimulate intellectual discourse, enrich individual lives and generate new knowledge. Drawing on the resources of a leading research university, the museum serves as a laboratory for interdisciplinary approaches.
The Making of a Museum
Raymond D. Nasher eventually convinced Duke that the site at Duke University Road and Anderson Street was perfect for a new art museum, because of its central location, easy access to the intersection of two public streets...
Published
The Collection
The growing collection includes some of the world's best contemporary art, with a focus on work by artists of African descent. Other strengths in the collection include European medieval art, European and American paintings, Outsider art, classical antiquities, African art and ancient American art. Only a small portion of the museum’s permanent collection is on view at any time. View the digital database of our collection containing over 6,000 objects.
Browse the Collection