Chazen Museum of Art

The Chazen Museum of Art is an art museum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison housing approximately 23,000 works spanning various periods and cultures. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative arts ranging from ancient times to the present day.

The museum was originally founded in 1970 as the Elvehjem Art Center and was later renamed. A major expansion in 2005 doubled the exhibition space and strengthened its role as a significant art institution.

The museum presents rotating exhibitions focused on Nordic art, African American heritage, and contemporary works by international artists. Visitors can encounter different cultural perspectives and artistic movements through these changing displays.

The museum offers free admission to all visitors and opens seven days a week for browsing at your own pace. Guided tours are available to help you understand the collections and artworks more deeply.

The institution holds the second-largest art collection in Wisconsin with works spanning from ancient civilizations to contemporary pieces. This breadth allows visitors to trace artistic evolution across thousands of years in a single location.

Location: Madison

Inception: 2005

Official opening: 2005

Part of: University of Wisconsin–Madison

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-19:00; Saturday,Sunday 11:00-17:00; Holidays off

Website: https://chazen.wisc.edu

GPS coordinates: 43.07390,-89.39960

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58