Academic Initiatives

The William Benton Museum of Art is a laboratory for learning where direct engagement with works of art fosters new ways of seeing and thinking. Educational resources are available to University faculty, researchers, and students as well as the K12 community, families, and life-long learners.

Faculty and Researchers
Through its exhibitions and programs, the Museum serves as a forum for interdisciplinary study, critical thinking, and new experiences. With a collection of over 6,000 objects spanning five centuries and a variety of media, The Benton offers a unique resource to faculty and researchers of all disciplines.

Faculty members are encouraged to utilize the Museum’s exhibitions, collections, and scheduled programs to enhance their course curriculum. Docent-led tours of current exhibitions are available by appointment, and classes are always welcome at public gallery talks and lectures. A two week notice is recommended to ensure that your class will have uncontested time. To arrange for a class tour of current exhibitions, contact the Education Department at benton.education@uconn.edu.

Additionally, Faculty and Researchers can arrange to have a selection of artworks pulled from storage to suit their academic and curricular needs. Special viewings can take the form of a single visit or a short-term study exhibition along the Benton’s balcony gallery. For more information on how to incorporate the Benton collections into your curriculum or to arrange for artworks to be pulled, contact the Curatorial Department at 860-486-1705.

A two-week notice is recommended for all educational activities. Planning for curriculum-based study exhibitions should be in the semester prior to ensure space is available.

University Students
The William Benton Museum of Art is your campus art museum. Rotating exhibitions of art from around the globe, free thought-provoking programming and fun events, and lively café are just a few reasons the Campus Community converge at the Benton.

Admission is free.  The galleries are the perfect place to study, contemplate, sketch, seek inspiration and find sanctuary. The Benton is also ideal place to meet up with friends, bring a date, or introduce to visiting family members.

Love art? Consider volunteering with The Benton’s Student Docent Program or join the Museum’s student group, The Bean Team. Work-study positions are occasionally available at the museum visitor’s desk and galleries. 

Past Faculty Testimonials (coming soon)