TREASURES FROM THE COLLECTION

AUGUST 24, 2020 – JULY 3, 2021

When the Museum of Art was dedicated in 1993, Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called it a “treasure house” of art that will “nourish our finer instincts and cause us to more frequently ponder on the wonder of…our Creator.”

The Museum of Art’s collection of over 18,000 artworks had its origins in a university art collection. Beginning in 1909, Brigham Young University sought to bring artwork to its campus as a way of benefitting student education and enriching the campus environment. For a time, artworks hung in buildings across campus and were made readily available for faculty use. However, BYU officials began to see a need for increased regulation and professional safeguards for the school’s valuable art holdings after beloved artworks were found to be missing.

The Museum of Art (MOA) was completed in 1993, as a space dedicated to the preservation of an art collection, as well as venue to feature world-class artwork of various styles and themes. MOA staff has continued to expand the collection by acquiring compelling artworks, primarily focused on American and European art, that will edify and enlighten our community.

Explore each piece featured in the exhibition by clicking on an exhibition section below!