Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art | Evanston

The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, located on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus, is a distinguished art museum that serves as a cultural, educational, and research institution dedicated to the visual arts. Here is a detailed overview:

History and Founding

The museum was established in 1980 through the philanthropy of Mary and Leigh Block, prominent Chicago art collectors and patrons.

It was created to provide a dedicated space for art exhibitions, education, and interdisciplinary research that engages both the Northwestern community and the broader public.

Over time, the museum has grown in physical size, collection scope, and cultural influence, becoming an important resource on the Northwestern campus and in the Chicago area.

Location and Architecture

The museum is located at 40 Arts Circle Drive on Northwestern’s Evanston campus, situated amidst the university’s arts and humanities buildings.

The original building was designed by the architectural firm Loebl, Schlossman & Hackl.

In 2000, the museum underwent a major expansion designed by architect Dirk Lohan, tripling its gallery space and adding new facilities such as classrooms, offices, and a sculpture garden.

The architectural style blends modern design with functional spaces intended to foster engagement, reflection, and collaboration.

Mission and Vision

The Block Museum’s mission is to activate art as a form of knowledge, research, and cultural insight.

It emphasizes the role of art in questioning ideas, expanding perspectives, and connecting disciplines.

The museum fosters collaboration across fields, integrating visual arts with history, social sciences, literature, and sciences.

It is committed to accessibility and inclusion, offering free admission and welcoming diverse audiences.

Collections

The museum holds a permanent collection of over 6,000 works of art, spanning various media including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and new media.

Notable artists represented include:

Jasper Johns

Max Beckmann

Barbara Hepworth

Jean Arp

Joan Miró

Chuck Close

Carrie Mae Weems

The collection features both modern and contemporary art, with strengths in European and American works.

The museum continuously acquires works that reflect social issues, identity, cultural expression, and innovation.

Exhibitions and Programs

The Block Museum organizes rotating exhibitions that showcase local, national, and international artists.

Exhibitions often address themes such as social justice, race, gender, environment, and political activism.

It promotes experimental and interdisciplinary shows that combine visual art with sound, performance, and digital media.

The museum hosts artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, and educational programs for students, scholars, and the community.

Collaborations with Northwestern faculty and departments enrich academic inquiry through art.

Block Cinema

An integral part of the museum is Block Cinema, which presents free screenings of classic, independent, and experimental films.

The cinema provides a platform for exploring film as an artistic medium and complements the museum’s visual arts programming.

Screenings often include discussions with filmmakers, scholars, or curators.

Sculpture Garden

The Block Museum features a sculpture garden established in 1989 and designed by architect John Vinci.

This outdoor space showcases major works by renowned sculptors such as:

Jean Arp

Barbara Hepworth

Henry Moore

Jacques Lipchitz

Joan Miró

The garden offers an accessible and contemplative environment blending art and nature.

It is free and open to the public year-round.

Educational Role and Community Engagement

The museum serves as a dynamic learning hub for Northwestern students, faculty, and visiting scholars.

It integrates with university courses across disciplines by offering gallery tours, study resources, and curatorial internships.

Public programs aim to engage the local community and foster dialogue around contemporary cultural issues.

The Block Museum is dedicated to equity and inclusion, ensuring representation of diverse artists and voices.

Visitor Information

Location: 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, Illinois.

Admission: Free to the public.

Hours: Vary by season; typically open Tuesday through Sunday.

Accessibility: Fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Parking: Available on campus with validations; public transit options include CTA Purple Line and Metra.

The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art stands as a vibrant center for the arts, scholarship, and community engagement. It offers visitors a rich cultural experience through its innovative exhibitions, diverse collections, and inclusive programming, making it a cornerstone of Northwestern University’s commitment to the arts and education.