Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Museum University art museum with modern and contemporary collections
On Washington University’s Danforth Campus in St. Louis, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum exhibits modern and contemporary art; visitors attend rotating shows, lectures and guided campus tours.
The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is the art museum of Washington University in St. Louis, located on the university’s Danforth Campus and focused on modern and contemporary art and the university’s teaching collection.
Galleries display rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, works on paper and photography alongside selections from the permanent collection. The museum programs exhibitions, lectures and academic activities connected to the university.
The institution traces its roots to the university’s art holdings and was renamed for donor Mildred Lane Kemper. The physical facility underwent a major expansion and renovation by architect Fumihiko Maki that reopened in 2006, creating new gallery spaces and facilities for the collection.
The museum sits on the Washington University Danforth Campus in St. Louis, Missouri, integrated with campus cultural resources and easily reached from central campus locations.
- University museum: Located on the Washington University in St. Louis Danforth Campus, the museum combines a teaching collection with public exhibitions.
What to See #
- Maki building (2006 expansion): The museum building that reopened after a major expansion in 2006, designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, houses rotating exhibitions and the museum's galleries.
- University collection and study areas: The university art collection and study areas support teaching and research, with holdings that include modern and contemporary paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs.
How to Get to Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum #
The museum sits on Washington University’s Danforth Campus in St. Louis. From the Central West End MetroLink station (Red Line) it’s a roughly 15-20 minute walk or a short MetroBus ride. Paid parking is available on campus; follow campus signage to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
Tips for Visiting Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum #
- Visit late afternoon on weekdays to catch the campus-student trickle-quieter galleries and college light make the modern pieces sing.
- Check the museum's website before visiting: classes or special installs sometimes close galleries.
- Don't skip the study room or rotation displays; the museum's small collection is shown in deliberate, changing groupings that many visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum #
Best visited during the university term for the alive-but-not-crowded feel; check the calendar for rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum #
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (979 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).