University Museum of Contemporary Art

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University Museum of Contemporary Art The University Museum of Contemporary Art is the teaching museum of UMass Amherst. Closed for the summer semester. All our exhibitions and events are free!

The University Museum of Contemporary Art - the teaching museum of the University Massachusetts Amherst – is a multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art from the second half of the 20th century to present. Through exhibitions, a permanent collection, educational programming, and a visiting artists program, the University Museum of Contemporary Art acts as a forum where renowned and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences that enhance understanding of the art of our time. In its programming, the UMCA balances a commitment to experimentation with a mandate to serve as a dynamic teaching and learning resource, affirming the University’s dedication to education, research, and community service. We are the only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art between Boston and the Berkshires.

We’re excited to share two opportunities to go behind the work on view at the University Museum of Contemporary Art. Joi...
10/13/2026

We’re excited to share two opportunities to go behind the work on view at the University Museum of Contemporary Art. Join us for two upcoming artist talks, featuring multidisciplinary artists Dianne Smith and Athena LaTocha.

📅 Tuesday, November 10, 4 p.m. (new date!)
Artist Talk–Dianne Smith ᗪIᗩᑎᑎE ᔕᗰITᕼ ᗩᖇTIᔕT
Smith envisions Black futurity through photography, sound, performance, sculpture, and ritual.

📅 Thursday, November 12, 5:30 p.m.
Artist Talk–Athena LaTocha Athena LaTocha
LaTocha’s works on paper explore the relationship between human-made and natural worlds.

Both talks are free and open to the public. Register at the link in our bio. We hope to see you there!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week’s reception celebrating incredible exhibitions by and , along with a sel...
09/30/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week’s reception celebrating incredible exhibitions by and , along with a selection of works from our permanent collection of contemporary art!

Photos: Noah Lev Bartell-Mangel Photography

Thanks to all the artists, visitors, educators, staff, and community member who made the 2025-26 visual arts season so m...
05/14/2026

Thanks to all the artists, visitors, educators, staff, and community member who made the 2025-26 visual arts season so memorable.

From outstanding fall group shows — including the debut of the Hampden Gallery Triennial, presentations by , and the beautiful textile works in Artist/Fabricator — to artist residencies with scholars and , scientific glassblower , and multimedia artist , as well as stunning showcases by watercolorist , tattoo artistry by , and a student curated exhibition from the museum’s permanent collection.

This year brought hands-on art workshops, artist talks, class visits, receptions, two Artwalks, exhibition tours, a fashion night, Yoga at the Museum, poetry readings, the BIPOC Critique Group, and so many meaningful connections over contemporary art.

Thank you, truly, for a wonderful semester. The University Museum of Contemporary Art, Augusta Savage Gallery, and Hampden Gallery are now closed for the summer.

Stay tuned for announcements about the 2026-27 season — we have some really amazing artists and exhibitions ahead!

Today, May 8, is the last day to view our spring semester exhibitions at the University Museum of Contemporary Art! Swin...
05/08/2026

Today, May 8, is the last day to view our spring semester exhibitions at the University Museum of Contemporary Art! Swing by for one last look at Land of the Free by Camille Turner, The Political Uses of Madness by Tammy Nguyen, and Deja Vu: The Cycles That Haunt Us curated by Suzanne Bagia and Caelen Trujillo.

This is the last week to view the museum’s spring exhibitions!On view through May 8:- Land of the Free by Camille Turner...
05/05/2026

This is the last week to view the museum’s spring exhibitions!

On view through May 8:
- Land of the Free by Camille Turner
- The Political Uses of Madness by Tammy Nguyen
- Deja Vu: The Cycles That Haunt Us, curated by Suzanne Bagia and Caelen Trujillo

Next Thursday, May 7, take a break from end-of-semester stress and join us for Unwind at the Museum!In collaboration wit...
04/30/2026

Next Thursday, May 7, take a break from end-of-semester stress and join us for Unwind at the Museum!

In collaboration with RecWell Peer Health Educators, we’ll have collaborative drawing, mood bracelet making, and gratitude letter writing.

May 7 | 6-8 p.m.
Register: umassarts.site/unwind2026

Celebrate with Artwalk, the Fine Arts Center’s visual arts extravaganza! Spend the afternoon gallery hopping, and expl...
04/28/2026

Celebrate with Artwalk, the Fine Arts Center’s visual arts extravaganza! Spend the afternoon gallery hopping, and explore our exhibitions, take part in craft activities, enjoy free snacks, and listen to live music.

Here’s what you’ll find at each stop:

Hampden Gallery: collage and stamp making; performance by .band, 4-6 p.m.
University Museum of Contemporary Art: circular collage craft
Augusta Savage Gallery: chalk drawing

Each year, the University Museum of Contemporary Art offers three hands-on courses in which students can engage directly...
04/24/2026

Each year, the University Museum of Contemporary Art offers three hands-on courses in which students can engage directly with contemporary art, build practical museum skills, and learn alongside arts professionals. Taught by museum staff, these classes offer a behind-the-scenes look at how museums operate.

Course offerings include:
• Student Museum Educator Practicum (Spire #10636 | ART-HIST 398-01) — Learn to teach and inspire diverse audiences through museum education, with guest speakers and field trips to local museums and galleries.

• Collecting 101: Acquiring Art for the University Museum of Contemporary Art (Spire #10637 | ART-HIST 398-02) — Explore how museums acquire art. Work in teams to research artists, evaluate works, and present selections.

• Eva Fierst Graduate Curatorial Exhibition Program — Curate a full exhibition drawn from the museum’s permanent collection of more than 3,800 contemporary works on paper.

Open to all majors—no prior art experience necessary.

Learn more: arts.umass.edu/museum-education

Some moments from last Thursday’s powerful artist talk. Thanks and our community for joining us!
04/21/2026

Some moments from last Thursday’s powerful artist talk. Thanks and our community for joining us!

Artwalk is the Fine Arts Center’s once-a-semester visual arts extravaganza! Come with friends or stop by solo to explore...
04/16/2026

Artwalk is the Fine Arts Center’s once-a-semester visual arts extravaganza! Come with friends or stop by solo to explore exhibitions, take part in craft activities, enjoy free snacks, and listen to live music.
 
Visit all three venues for a chance to win prizes. Here’s what you’ll find at each stop.

- Augusta Savage Gallery: chalk drawing

- Hampden Gallery: collage and stamp making; performance by Northbound band, 4-6 p.m.

- University Museum of Contemporary Art: circular collage drawing activity inspired by Tammy Nguyen’s exhibition

Address

UMass Fine Arts Center, 151 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA
01003

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 11am - 4:30pm
Thursday 11am - 4:30pm
Friday 11am - 4:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14135453672

Website

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