The D’Arcy is one of the finest collections of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art in the Midwest. It is particularly noted for its diverse holdings of three-dimensional objects that epitomize both the religious and secular aspects of European life. Devotional ivories, painted sculptures, and enameled liturgical objects feature among its medieval highlights; in covering the Renaissance, the D’Arcy is especially strong in objects commissioned to celebrate familial events such as marriage and childbirth. Among its Baroque pieces are Christ Among the Doctors by Matthias Stomer, a Dutch-born follower of Caravaggio, and intricate pieces of metalwork and woodwork, such as a collector’s chest by Wenzel Jamnitzer, the leading German goldsmith of this period, and The Flagellation by Alessandro Algardi.

In recognition of the Museum’s broad mission to explore and promote understanding of the enduring spiritual questions of all faiths and cultures as expressed through art, a new collection—the LUMA Collection—has been established. Gifts of 308 Vinca, Thessalonian, and Kiliya-type Neolithic idols, ranging in date from 6500 to 3500 BCE, and contemporary photographs, prints, and textiles demark the Collection’s parameters. The majority of its pieces reflect the Museum’s temporary exhibition history.

Since opening in 2005, LUMA has hosted ambitious educational programming designed to engage people from ages 5 to 100. We seek to provide memorable experiences that lead to discovery, awareness, and curiosity. We hope to encourage life-long learning and believe that through our programs, learning to see and seeing to learn will make for a fuller, richer life.

The Museum operates as part of the educational mission of the University and is a 501(c)3 cultural institution receiving public and private support and with an elected board of advisors.

Access: Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: True