The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago is marking its 50th anniversary, celebrating its role as a space for inspiration and education. Brian Hieggelke, an alumnus of the university, recalls how his first visit to the museum in the early 1980s sparked his lifelong passion for art. "It was literally like in those cartoons where the light bulb goes off," he said.
Founded in October 1974 with a $1 million gift from the Smart Family Foundation, the museum has grown significantly over five decades. It now houses more than 17,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years. The institution was named in memory of David and Alfred Smart, founders of Esquire Magazine.
The museum's current exhibition, "The 50th: An Anniversary Exhibition," showcases over 180 works from its permanent collection and will be open until March 2. A second iteration with new commissioned artworks is planned for spring.
Vanja Malloy, Director of the Smart Museum, emphasized the museum's commitment to accessibility: “My mission at the Smart is to try to get people to feel that this is a place for them.”
Visitors can experience art even before entering through installations like Robert Earl Paige’s "Give the Drummer Some!" This work frames the Cochrane-Woods Courtyard with motifs inspired by African and modernist designs.
The museum's history reflects its evolution from a small gallery associated with UChicago’s Department of Art History into a diverse collection representing various cultures and periods. Curator Galina Mardilovich noted, “It's been interesting to see and think about the collection, what it started from and how it grew.”
Over recent decades, collaborations with UChicago faculty have enriched exhibitions and expanded collections. Prof. Wu Hung has curated significant exhibitions on contemporary Chinese art since 1999.
The museum also serves as an educational space through initiatives like the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry established in 2018. Faculty integrate art into their teaching across disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary learning.
Looking ahead, Malloy sees continued collaboration as key: “What I love about this community is there an interdisciplinary spirit,” she said.
For its future plans, the museum aims to remain accessible while exploring new boundaries in art history. Current displays include digital artworks such as teamLab's Ever Blossoming Life – Gold (2014), acquired through partnerships within UChicago.
Events throughout the year will celebrate past achievements and explore future directions with former interns and alums discussing their career impacts from their time at Smart Museum.
Brian Hieggelke encourages others to explore what museums offer: “If you have any curiosity, go for it... The best case, it changes your life."