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Museums #1 in Princeton, New Jersey

Princeton University Art Museum

4.8 · 1,450 reviews
Intellectual and scholarly.
Princeton University Art Museum, 45 Elm Dr, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum's collection originated in the 1750s, making it one of the oldest university art collections in the United States.

2

The holdings include an extensive collection of prints and drawings, featuring rare works by masters such as Rembrandt and Dürer.

3

The museum maintains a significant collection of photographs, capturing the evolution of the medium from its 19th-century inception to modern digital practices.

4

The new museum building incorporates sustainable design elements intended to meet LEED Gold standards.

5

The institution actively manages a research library that supports the study of its diverse collection.

Overview

The Princeton University Art Museum houses a collection exceeding 100,000 objects, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The institution serves as a central hub for teaching, research, and public engagement within the university campus. The collection is particularly noted for its holdings in Asian, African, and pre-Columbian art. The museum is currently operating in a new state-of-the-art facility designed by architect Sir David Adjaye. It features expansive gallery spaces integrated into the campus topography to foster academic interdisciplinary study. The facility includes dedicated spaces for research and storage, facilitating access to works not currently on public display.

Photo spot

The dramatic glass and stone architecture of the new museum entrance offers the most striking geometric perspectives.

Insider tips

Check the museum's online calendar for rotating exhibitions and academic lecture series prior to arrival.

Use the interactive digital kiosks located in the lobby to explore the collection database.

Take advantage of the museum's proximity to the Princeton University campus to explore the outdoor sculpture garden.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to touch the artwork or use pens in the galleries; only pencils are permitted for note-taking near displays.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major university holidays.

Etiquette

Photography without flash is generally permitted for personal use, but large bags and backpacks must be checked in the designated cloakroom.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the academic semester to avoid weekend crowds and witness the campus atmosphere.
Address
Princeton University Art Museum, 45 Elm Dr, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
40.347, -74.658
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsAsian art, photography, prints and drawings, and pre-Columbian antiquities.
ArchitectureContemporary design by Sir David Adjaye featuring integrated gallery and research spaces.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the academic semester to avoid weekend crowds and witness the campus atmosphere..

The dramatic glass and stone architecture of the new museum entrance offers the most striking geometric perspectives.

Close by you'll find The Princeton Garden Theatre, Princeton Battle Monument, Princeton Stadium.