This spring, Princeton University’s Art Museum will host eight exciting courses that tap into its rich collections and unique classroom spaces. The museum reopened on October 31, attracting around 22,000 visitors during its 24-hour open house, showcasing its revamped 8,800 square-foot education center, which features art studios, seminar rooms, and an auditorium that can seat 250 people.
One of the standout courses is FRS 126: Behind the Scenes, taught by Senior Associate Director Caroline Harris and curator Veronica White. This class, designed for first-year students, offers a hands-on approach to exploring museum artifacts. Harris emphasizes that students will engage with vital topics in the museum field, such as collecting and conservation. “The museum’s diverse collections encourage interdisciplinary learning,” she stated, hoping students will see it as a valuable resource for their academic journeys.
Another captivating class is ART 430, which focuses on the sacred art of Mt. Athos, a remote peninsula in Greece known for its monastic communities. Professors Maria Alessia Rossi and Charlie Barber will guide students through rare artifacts that reveal the historical significance of this sacred site. “Princeton’s collection offers insights that are hard to come by elsewhere,” Rossi noted, highlighting the special opportunity for direct engagement with these artifacts.
In ART 442: Learning through Looking — European Drawings 1500–1800, students will analyze drawings from the museum’s collection, including recent acquisitions. Professor Thomas Kaufmann and curator Laura M. Giles plan to incorporate interactive elements, such as inviting experts to demonstrate techniques like handmade paper creation. Giles, a seasoned curator with 25 years of experience, will share valuable insights on building collections with students, offering a blend of academic and practical perspectives.
These courses mark an important moment for the museum as it reestablishes its role as a center for art and learning on campus. The reopening of the Marquand Library on January 26 will further enrich this academic environment.
Recent trends indicate that university art museums are increasingly becoming educational hubs. A survey by the Association of Art Museum Directors found that over 70% of museums reported growth in educational programming aimed at students. This shift highlights the vital role such institutions play in fostering intellectual exploration and creativity among students.
As Princeton’s Art Museum opens its doors, students can look forward to transformative experiences that blend traditional art history with hands-on learning. The opportunity to engage with real artifacts and learn from experts creates a unique environment that encourages deep inquiry and passion for art.
