Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Overview
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD Museum) is an art museum located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is associated with the Rhode Island School of Design, a renowned fine arts and design college. The museum houses an extensive collection of more than 100,000 objects spanning diverse cultures, periods, and artistic mediums.
History
The RISD Museum was founded in 1877, in the same year as the Rhode Island School of Design. The museum was initially established to support the school's educational mission, providing students with direct access to significant works of art and design. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and its facilities, becoming one of the leading art institutions in the United States.
Collection
The RISD Museum's collection is diverse and comprehensive, encompassing works from a wide range of cultures, periods, and artistic mediums. The museum's holdings include ancient art, Asian art, European and American decorative arts, contemporary art, costumes and textiles, and prints, drawings, and photographs.
Ancient Art
The museum's ancient art collection includes significant works from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of the artistic achievements of these ancient civilizations, with objects ranging from sculptures and pottery to jewelry and coins.
Asian Art
The Asian art collection at the RISD Museum is one of the most extensive in the United States. It includes works from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia, spanning over 2,000 years of history. The collection is particularly strong in Chinese ceramics and Japanese prints.
European and American Decorative Arts
The museum's collection of European and American decorative arts is one of the most comprehensive in the country. It includes furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and textiles from the Middle Ages to the present day. The collection is particularly noted for its holdings of 18th-century European porcelain and American decorative arts from the 17th to the 19th century.
Contemporary Art
The RISD Museum has a strong collection of contemporary art, with works by leading artists from around the world. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, installations, video art, and digital media, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary artistic practice.
Costumes and Textiles
The museum's costumes and textiles collection is one of the largest and most important in the country. It includes over 26,000 objects, ranging from ancient textiles to contemporary fashion. The collection is particularly noted for its holdings of European and American fashion from the 18th century to the present day.
Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
The RISD Museum's collection of prints, drawings, and photographs is one of the most comprehensive in the country. It includes works from the 15th century to the present day, with particularly strong holdings in 19th-century French prints and 20th-century American photography.
Exhibitions
The RISD Museum organizes a wide range of temporary exhibitions each year, showcasing works from its own collection as well as loans from other institutions. These exhibitions often focus on specific themes, artists, or periods, providing fresh insights into the museum's extensive holdings.
Education and Outreach
The RISD Museum is committed to education and outreach, offering a wide range of programs for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and family activities, all designed to enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of art and design.
Facilities
The RISD Museum is housed in a complex of five interconnected buildings, each with its own architectural character. The museum's facilities include exhibition galleries, a lecture hall, classrooms, a research library, and a museum shop.