Hours
Tues–Sat 10–5, Sun 1–5
Founded at Oberlin College in 1917, the Allen Memorial Art Museum consistently ranks among the top five academic art museums in the United States. The original museum building was designed by Cass Gilbert, an architect known for the Woolworth Building in New York City and the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. In 1977, an addition designed by Robert Venturi became one of the earliest and finest examples of postmodern architecture in the United States. A two-year renovation of the museum culminated in 2011, resulting in LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. A major conservation project completed in 2015 restored paintings on the ceiling and clerestory of the museum’s King Sculpture Court.
Always free to the public, the Allen has strong holdings in 17th century Dutch and Flemish art, Japanese woodblock prints, and 20th century works by such artists as Cézanne, Chagall, Picasso, Monet, and others. In the galleries you’ll find artworks from virtually every culture and time period, which are drawn from the Allen’s collection of more than 15,000 objects. For FRONT, Oberlin hosts three exhibition; at the museum Barbara Bloom puts works from the collection in conversation with Robert Venturi’s postmodern gallery. In the Richard D. Baron ’64 Art Gallery, Ciu Jie’s work addresses changes to China’s urban landscape.
The Allen also oversees, along with Oberlin’s art department, the Weltzheimer-Johnson House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Located 1.5 miles west of the museum, this is Ohio’s only example of a Usonian style home by the architect that is open for public tours. The home showcases works by Venezuelan-born Juan Araujo highlighting its mid-century proportions and art collected by its former owner.
Offering free admission and parking, the museum is located 45 minutes west of Cleveland at the intersection of Ohio routes 58 and 511. The Allen presents a robust program of changing exhibitions and educational events.
Support for FRONT at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College is made possible by The Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund and The Nord Family Foundation.