Chazen Museum of Art
Museum University art museum with diverse permanent collection
On the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the Chazen Museum of Art displays European, American and contemporary works in free galleries and rotating exhibitions for students and art lovers.
The Chazen Museum of Art is the public art museum of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, located on the university campus; it was renamed and expanded following a major gift from Jerome and Simona Chazen in 2005.
The museum’s holdings total more than 20,000 works, covering European, American, and Asian art along with substantial holdings of prints and drawings. Galleries present selections from the permanent collection alongside rotating temporary exhibitions and special installations.
The museum traces its origins to the university’s long-established art collection and earlier campus museum activities; the Chazen name reflects the private donation that financed the museum’s expansion and reorganization.
It sits on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in Madison, Wisconsin, and functions as the university’s principal public art museum.
- Admission: Free public admission is offered, making the museum accessible to students and the wider community.
- Collection size: Holds a collection of more than 20,000 works spanning European, American, Asian, and contemporary art as well as prints and drawings.
- Renaming and expansion: Renamed and expanded following a major gift from Jerome and Simona Chazen, which funded an installation and renovation of the museum campus facilities.
How to Get to Chazen Museum of Art #
Located on the UW-Madison campus near the Memorial Union; accessible by city bus routes, campus shuttles, and on-foot from downtown Madison. Street parking and campus lots are nearby but can be limited during the academic year.
Tips for Visiting Chazen Museum of Art #
- Check the museum's schedule for free public programs and gallery talks - the Chazen runs frequent events tied to exhibitions.
- Look for prints and works on paper in the collection galleries; they are among the museum's strengths.
- Campus parking can be limited; use the university shuttle or public transport when possible.
Best Time to Visit Chazen Museum of Art #
Open year-round; visit during the academic year for lectures and student-curated events, and in spring/fall for comfortable weather around campus.
Weather & Climate near Chazen Museum of Art #
Chazen Museum of Art's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -13°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (828 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 29 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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