Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), located on the University of Utah campus in downtown Salt Lake City, is a cornerstone of art, culture, and education in the state. Housed in the Marcia and John Price Museum Building near Rice-Eccles Stadium, the UMFA features a permanent collection of nearly 20,000 art pieces that span over 5,200 years of history and represent cultures from across the globe, including African, Asian, Oceanic, European, and American works. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the UMFA rotates its extensive collection through more than 20 galleries, offering fresh and diverse exhibits.

The museum's history traces back to the early 1900s when a modest gallery on the University’s campus showcased local artists. In 1951, under University President A. Ray Olpin, the collection evolved into the official Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Over subsequent decades, with significant gifts and expansions, the UMFA’s collection grew, necessitating a larger, purpose-built space. In 2001, the current 70,000-square-foot facility was inaugurated, designed by architects Machado Silvetti and Prescott Muir. Since its opening, the museum has expanded its reach and offerings, solidifying its position as Utah’s official state art museum, as recognized by the Utah State Legislature in 2005.

UMFA is more than an art repository—it is a lively hub for community engagement. The museum hosts a range of family, adult, and children's programs, including self-guided tours, hands-on art activities, lectures, and film screenings. Special family studio art activities take place monthly, while adults can participate in painting classes and lectures, and children enjoy summer classes that blend history with art-making.