Ackland Art Museum

Since its founding in 1958, Carolina’s Ackland Art Museum has established a reputation as one of the best university art museums in America. Thanks to special support over the past decade, the Ackland has greatly expanded its outreach to University students, area school children and community groups through its educational programming and exhibits. As a result, the museum enjoys the highest attendance of any university art museum in the state.

For more than 40 years, the Ackland has brought a world of art to North Carolina. Named for William Hayes Ackland, who is buried in a museum alcove, the Ackland’s collection of more than 15,000 objects span five continents and 50 countries. Long known for its European paintings and sculpture, the Ackland has works by masters such as Degas, Delacroix, Pisarro and Rubens. The museum’s collection of Asian art has grown to become the most significant in North Carolina. Ten thousand prints, drawings and photographs—by artists such as Matisse, Picasso and Rembrandt—make the Ackland’s collection of works on
paper one of the best in the Southeast. Collections of North Carolina folk art and pottery reflect the rich heritage of the state.

The Ackland is dedicated to using its collections and special exhibitions to educate and delight the communities it serves. Collaborations with more than 20 academic departments across campus have made the museum an integral part of the educational experience for over 4,500 University students each year. And its nationally recognized school programs supplement crucial arts instruction for nearly 5,500 children each year from across the state. In addition, exhibitions and public programming serve the broad cultural needs of an increasingly diverse population in and around Chapel Hill.