Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven (must see)

The Yale University Art Gallery is located near the Old Campus Courtyard and less than two blocks from New Haven Green. It is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours or an entire afternoon. Every visitor to New Haven should stop by the Yale University Art Gallery for multiple reasons.

This gallery is the oldest art museum in the western hemisphere. It was established in 1832 after artist John Trumbull donated over 100 paintings to the university. His donated paintings include "Battle of Bunker Hill," "Declaration of Independence" and "Surrender of Lord Cornwallis," among others.

Trumbull also designed the original picture gallery, which was razed and replaced with a Tuscan Romanesque style building designed by Egerton Swartwout in 1928. It is now known as the Olde Yale Art Gallery Building.

The current main hall of the Yale University Art Gallery was designed by Louis Kahn in 1947. The Modern architectural style uses geometric shapes, including a tetrahedral ceiling and cylindrical staircase. This was the first Modernist building on the Yale University campus.

The gallery holds works from famed artists like Peter Paul Rubens, Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh. However, visitors won't just see European art. They will also be greeted with art from the Americas, Africa and Asia. The gallery has permanent exhibits of ancient art, sculpture, modern art and photography.

Traveling exhibits are often featured at the Yale University Art Gallery. Past exhibits have included a study on caricatures, ceremonial dress, global baroque and the art of light.

Why You Should Visit:
- To see the oldest art gallery in the western hemisphere
- To bask in art from throughout the ages

Tips:
Visitors are welcome to explore the gallery on their own. However, those seeking a docent-led tour should call in advance or check the website to ensure tours are available.