This comprehensive museum originally opened in 1832 when Yale’s president arranged to buy paintings and miniatures from John Trumbull. Since then, the collection has grown primarily due to generous gifts from prosperous alumni. Well-known for this American collection, the museum also has several pre- and post-Impressionist paintings (including Van Gogh’s The Night Café) and a collection of modern (as in 1913-1929) art donated by arts patroness Katherine Dreier.
Yale University Art Gallery Information
- Public Transportation: Fair (Amtrak, Metro-North, and Shore Line East all operate through New Haven’s Union Station; from the station, it’s a five-minute trip via taxi, bus, or car to the gallery)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. (Sept.– June), Sunday 1–6 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays
- Admission: Free
- Tours: Tours are available for both adult and student groups
- Membership: Individual membership is $50 and all members enjoy unlimited visits at both the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art, a membership card entitling members to various discounts and benefits, invitations to exhibition openings, members-only events at both museums and reciprocal membership at more than 20 other art museums. Dual/ Family ($75) and Student ($15) memberships are also offered.