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, view all collection highlights or explore the collections database.
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
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 coming months.
Where can I get more information on a specific work of art?
Information about works in the collection or currently on view can be requested using our general contact form.
How can I view an object in the collection that is not currently on display?
We do our best to accommodate requests to view works in the collection, subject to object condition and availability. Works are not permitted to leave the Museum. Requests may be submitted using our general contact form.
I am a faculty member or student who would like to visit the collection individually (not for a class). What should I do?
Individual study visits for faculty, students, and staff may be requested using this form. Please include as much detail as possible about the work(s) you wish to see and your research interests.
If you are requesting a visit for a class or course, please use this class visit request form.
Can I request images of works in the collection?
Rights and reproductions are administered through the Office of the Registrar. Fees vary depending on the intended use, format, and distribution. Requests must be submitted in writing. For more information or to begin a request, please contact Laura Fogarty using this form.
Copyright Policy
Artworks and images on this site may be protected by copyright, which is noted whenever possible. The Museum does not warrant that reproduction of artworks will not infringe on the rights of third parties. Users are responsible for determining and satisfying any copyright or other use restrictions beyond what is permitted under fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law. The full Muscarelle Museum of Art Copyright Policy is available here.