Frequently Asked Questions
What types of art will I see at the Hunter?
What is American art and why study it?
When I come to the Hunter, where should I go first?
Are there any rules I should know as I walk through the Hunter?
How can I learn more about the building itself? The people who once lived here? The art I see here?
How can I learn more about membership, mailing lists, renting the space, taking classes?
What types of art will I see at the Hunter?
- The Hunter Museums shows many kinds of art: paintings, sculpture, drawings, film, furniture, textiles—just to name a few.
- Art at the Hunter has been created by people who have been to art school and many who have not.
- You will find artwork that was made just a few months ago and things that were made 200 years ago.
- All work in the museum is original.
- Our special exhibitions show the wide variety of art being made in America today. They reflect our permanent collection and bring in new and exciting art that we might not otherwise see in our region.
What is American art and why study it?
The Hunter Museum of American Art, as the name implies, specializes in American art. In its most basic terms American art is artwork produced in America by American artists. But this is not always true, because the history of American art is as fluid as the history of America itself. For example:
- During World War II some artists fled to America from Europe for the war’s duration. The works they produced here are often shown in an American art museum
- Today’s art world is global. An artist born in Japan, for example, may maintain a studio in the United States for part of the year and produce art here. These works are often shown in an American art museum.
However, no matter what the exact origin of the work, American art
- can tell us about our nation’s history and its relationship to world history and culture
- can share universal themes like love, pride, despair, fear and hope
- can allow us to see our past and our present and to learn about ourselves
When I come to the Hunter, where should I go first?
This is totally up to you. You can:
- View the collection chronologically, which means you would start in the mansion.
- Create your own path with a custom tour using the computers in the crossroads or one of the brochures found in that area.
- Use the Art Explorer’s Family Pack with a child and follow the ideas presented there.
- Freely explore, wander the galleries to find pieces and ideas that most interest you.
Are there any rules I should know as I walk through the Hunter?
The Hunter is for you to enjoy and explore. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the galleries – out loud to friends, in journals, on computers and in your own personal notes.
However, we do have a few rules that we’d like for you to follow so that we can assure that the galleries and art remain safe for others to enjoy.
- Please do not bring food or drink into the galleries.
- Please do not use cell phones in the galleries.
- Please also do not take photos anywhere inside the museum. You are free to take photos in the sculpture garden.
How can I learn more about the building itself? The people who once lived here? The art I see here?
- You can learn all about the architecture of the three buildings in the nearby architecture gallery (gallery #15).
- Learn more about the mansion and the people who lived there in the mansion reading room (gallery #13).
- If you’d like further information on any of the pieces here, you can check in several places.
- We have two “reading rooms” one on the first floor near the contemporary gallery and the other on the top floor of the mansion. (Galleries #21 and 13) You’ll find a number of art books there, including collection catalogues that give more information on favorite Hunter works.
- In the reading room in the East Wing (gallery #21) we also have a computer and a video viewing area.
- If you’d like to take books home, please visit the museum store to purchase one of the many excellent books there.
How can I learn more about membership, mailing lists, renting the space, taking classes?
The visitor services desk has information on all of these items and more. Please share your questions with them and they’ll be glad to assist you. This information is also available on the Hunter website – www.huntermuseum.org
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