The Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina is celebrating a significant milestone, its 75th anniversary, by unveiling meticulously reconfigured collection galleries. This grand reopening marks the culmination of a year-long renovation project, promising visitors an enriched experience of its diverse artistic holdings. While the institution currently features a touring exhibition, "Keith Haring: Radiant Vision," the public will soon be able to explore the newly conceptualized display spanning 20 distinct galleries following a gala event on January 16th.
A profound transformation has taken place across the museum's exhibition spaces, thoughtfully showcasing its American, Asian, European, and modern and contemporary art collections. Noteworthy highlights include Italian Renaissance masterpieces from the prestigious Kress Collection and a dedicated Asian gallery, featuring significant Chinese art from the Tang dynasty, a generous gift from the late Dr. Robert Y. Turner. Furthermore, several galleries are thoughtfully curated around compelling themes such as landscape, still life, and the intricate relationship between art and architecture. The museum also proudly spotlights artists with deep connections to South Carolina, including celebrated figures like Jasper Johns, Afrofuturist sculptor Winston Wingo, and photographer Richard Samuel Roberts.
Adding to the allure, one gallery proudly features a recently acquired collection of Georgian porcelain, beautifully complemented by period-appropriate wallpaper and decorative objects from late 18th- and early 19th-century England. The museum also presents new acquisitions by prominent artists such as Audrey Flack, Roberto Lugo, and Marguerite Zorach, alongside works from the National Academy of Design in New York, available through a long-term loan via the Art Bridges Partner Loan Network. The extensive renovation, which commenced in January 2025, encompassed the installation of advanced lighting and ceilings, strengthened walls, and crucial conservation efforts on pieces by artists like Sam Gilliam, Teiji Takai, and Benjamin Wilson.
As the cultural heart of South Carolina, the Columbia Museum of Art consistently fosters creativity and strengthens connections within its community and throughout the state. The debut of these reimagined collection galleries ushers in an exciting new chapter, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of art in bold and innovative ways, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience that inspires and uplifts.