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DURHAM, NC – The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University will commemorate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a daylong celebration and the grand opening of the newly transformed Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Sculpture Garden. This milestone marks two decades of bold exhibitions, inclusive programming, and deep community engagement since the museum first opened its doors in 2005.
From its inception, the Nasher has been committed to challenging dominant narratives, amplifying underrepresented voices, and inspiring new ways of seeing. Its 20th anniversary not only honors this legacy but also looks ahead, ushering in a new era of physical and artistic growth. Throughout the year, the museum is presenting several exhibitions that reflect its mission, including Everything Now All At Once, Coming into Focus: A Snapshot of Photography at the Nasher, Power, Presence, and Future: American Indian Pop Art in Action, and Sherman Fleming: Unsettled, the artist’s first solo exhibition, showcasing a bold survey of his groundbreaking performance and multimedia work.
The October 18 celebration is free and open to the public, with activities beginning at noon. Visitors of all ages can explore interactive art stations, hands-on workshops, poetry pop-ups, and performances throughout the museum and garden. Highlights include the NCCU Drumline, a puppet show by Jeghetto, meditative movement sessions, and artmaking with The Scrap Exchange. The evening will culminate in a headline performance by Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder beginning at 5PM. Free parking and food trucks will be available onsite.
Central to the celebration is the unveiling of the museum’s new sculpture garden—20 years in the making. With a generous $5 million gift from Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, the museum’s outdoor space has been completely reimagined. What was once a steep and inaccessible wooded slope is now a fully walkable, ADA-accessible landscape that honors the natural beauty of the site while creating new opportunities for reflection, connection, and engagement with art and nature.
“We have long believed in the power of public art to bring people together in meaningful ways,” said Nancy A. Nasher, Chair of the Nasher Museum Board of Advisors. “With this new sculpture garden, David and I wanted to help create a space where everyone—students, families, neighbors—can feel welcome to explore the outdoors and experience art. It’s our hope that the garden will grow into a living, evolving part of the community for generations to come.”
The redesign, led by Duke alumna and landscape architect Claire Agre of Unknown Studio, reflects the museum’s long-held vision to integrate art with ecology, accessibility, and community gathering. Native plants have replaced invasive species, supporting local biodiversity and aligning with Duke’s sustainability goals. Smooth pathways now wind through the landscape, accommodating wheelchairs, strollers, and all mobility needs—making it possible for everyone to fully experience the outdoor space.
Trevor Schoonmaker, the Mary D.B.T. and James H. Semans Director of the Nasher Museum, calls this a transformative moment: “This is the beginning of a new chapter—artistically, environmentally, and communally. We’re not just expanding our physical footprint, we’re deepening our commitment to making art and space more accessible, sustainable, and meaningful for everyone.”
The museum’s 20th anniversary programming also features special lectures and public events throughout the fall, including curatorial talks in October and a conversation with artist Sherman Fleming and Duke professor Kristine Stiles in November.
With the opening of the sculpture garden and a longstanding commitment to inclusive programming, the Nasher Museum sets the stage for its next 20 years—inviting the public to celebrate not only where it has been, but where it’s growing. For more information, visit nasher.duke.edu.
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About the Nasher Museum of Art
The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is a leading center for the arts in Durham, North Carolina, and a vital resource for both the Duke campus and the surrounding region. Designed by acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly, the 65,000-square-foot museum has organized more than 125 cutting-edge exhibitions since its opening in 2005, many of which have traveled nationally and internationally. With a strong commitment to contemporary art, the Nasher’s collection emphasizes work by artists who have been historically underrepresented, reflecting its mission to shape a more inclusive art historical narrative. Deeply integrated into Duke’s academic life, the museum fosters interdisciplinary research, supports innovative teaching, and engages students and faculty in critical dialogue. The Nasher also welcomes broader audiences through vibrant community and K–12 programs, and has offered free admission to all visitors since 2022, thanks to the generosity of Jennifer McCracken New and Jason New. To date, more than 1.6 million people have experienced the museum’s exhibitions and programs. Guests can enjoy local fare at the Nasher Museum Café and shop art-inspired gifts at Parker & Otis. Learn more at nasher.duke.edu.