As the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sept. 26, members of the Cougar community can explore the institution’s evolution over the last five decades via an interactive timeline.
The timeline includes a curated list highlighting some of the 390 exhibitions that have been on display at WSU’s art museum from its inception in 1974 to the present day. The web page also includes information about upcoming celebrations for the museum’s anniversary that are open to the public.
Originally occupying a single gallery of 4,000 square feet within the university’s Fine Arts Center, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU has evolved into a dynamic hub for scholarly discourse, artistic exploration, and community engagement.
Over the decades, the museum has curated an impressive permanent collection of over 4,000 works spanning diverse genres and eras, from classical antiquities to contemporary masterpieces. These artworks not only adorn the museum’s halls, but also serve as educational tools, inspiring generations of museum visitors.
“We’ve always strived to be a cultural beacon, showcasing art that challenges, inspires, and reflects the diversity of human expression,” notes Ryan Hardesty, current director of the museum. “Our 50th anniversary is a testament to the enduring power of art to unite and educate.”
In 2018, with the construction of the new facility known as the “Crimson Cube,” the museum was renamed after receiving a historic $5 million gift — the largest ever made to the arts at WSU — by prominent art patron Jordan D. Schnitzer. The new facility now encompasses six galleries and 14,000 square feet, including a Collection Study Center.
“The new museum was founded on the principle that art should be accessible to all,” said Schnitzer, whose philanthropic vision continues to shape the institution’s mission today. “It’s about nurturing creativity and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience through visual arts.”
