McMaster Museum of Art

The McMaster Museum of Art is a university art museum that houses works ranging from the late 15th century to contemporary pieces. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from Mediterranean regions and China, representing diverse artistic traditions and creative practices across many centuries.

The museum began in 1887 when McMaster University started collecting artworks while located in Toronto, and moved along with the university to Hamilton in 1930. This relocation allowed the growing collection to take root in its current location and continue developing as a major art institution.

The collection displays European artworks alongside pieces from Mediterranean and Asian traditions, showing how artistic styles developed across different regions. Visitors can observe how these works are arranged together to reveal connections between distant cultures and their approaches to creative expression.

The museum is located on the McMaster University campus and operates on varying schedules throughout the week. Visitors should check the current opening times before visiting, as hours can change seasonally or for special events.

The museum holds a specialized collection of coins and currencies from different civilizations around the world. These numismatic pieces reveal how various cultures expressed their values and craftsmanship through the design and production of money.