The permanent collection at the Muscarelle is one of the oldest university-based art collections in the United States, dating from 1732 when the university received its first gift of art. It has grown to nearly 8,000 objects, serving as an encyclopedic academic and artistic resource to William & Mary and the wider community.
Explore highlights from our collection below, or view all collection highlights.
While we continue to build on the origins and strengths of the collection, acquired over the last three centuries, our forward vision is to thoughtfully present art that is meaningful to our many constituencies and expand the collection in a manner that reflects a multi-cultural and pluralistic society. A concerted effort has been made to collect art by underrepresented artists, filling historical gaps in a thoughtful and meaningful way and extending into other areas of modern concern, including gender equity, environmentalism, and social justice.
We continually add and update our online records as we digitize and research the collection.
The permanent collection, which continues to grow through gifts and purchases, stands as a major artistic resource for William & Mary and the region.
Of particular note are Colonial American and English seventeenth and eighteenth century portraits; a survey collection of original prints and drawings from the fifteenth through the twenty-first centuries representing both American and European artists, as well as a selection of Japanese prints, a collection of German Expressionist works by Hans Grohs, and the Jean Outland Chrysler collection of American modern works interpreted in oils, drawings, watercolors, and sculpture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get more information on a specific work of art?
You can get information about works in the collection or on view by making a request through email at museum@wm.edu.
How can I view an object in the collection that is not currently on display?
We try to accommodate any request to view an object in our collection, but this is dependent on the condition of the object and the nature of the request. Works are not permitted to leave the Museum. You can make a request through email at museum@wm.edu.
If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member on campus requesting for a class, please contact museum@wm.edu or call 757.221.2705.
Can I get images of works in the collection?
Rights and Reproductions are administered through the Office of the Registrar. The fee for images varies depending on the size and medium of the requested product, and the use. You must submit a request through email or written letter. This can be submitted through email, fax, mail, or in person. For more information, please contact Laura Fogarty at lfogarty@wm.edu or 757.221.2705.
What exhibitions or works in the collection are slated to show in the future?
Please visit our upcoming exhibitions page to learn more about what will be on view in the future.
Copyright Policy
Artworks and images viewed on this site may be protected by copyright which is noted whenever possible. The Museum does not warrant that reproduction of the artwork will not infringe on the rights of third parties. It is the responsibility of the user to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions prior to copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected works beyond that allowed by “fair use” as such term is understood under the United States Copyright Act. View the full Muscarelle Museum of Art Copyright Policy here.