Muscarelle Museum of Art

The Muscarelle Museum of Art houses the art collections of the College of William & Mary. The collection traces its origins back to 1732 when the first art donation was received by the college. Overtime the college was gifted and purchased a substantial number of pieces. The museum began as a means of preserving the over 300 pieces acquired by the college by the 1970s.  

Professor Miles Chappell kick started the museum’s development after conducting a survey of the college’s art holdings in the 1970s. His findings were presented to university administrators who approved museum plans in 1981. Funding for the museum’s construction was provided by Joseph L. Muscarelle, a 1927 graduate of William & Mary. The museum opened in 1983 and has since underwent several renovations. The collection has expanded to include nearly 6,000 pieces including work from notable artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, and Hans Hofmann. Today the museum is preparing for the construction of a new arts complex which will be designed by the Pelli Clarke Pelli architecture firm.  

About, Muscarelle Museum of Art. Accessed September 13th 2020. https://muscarelle.wm.edu/about/.

Special Collections Research Center. Muscarelle Museum of Art, Constructed 1981-1982, Tribe Trek. Accessed September 13th 2020. https://tribetrek.wm.edu/items/show/32?tour=1&index=27.