The Art Appreciation class visited the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame. This new museum, which opened in December 2023, houses an impressive collection of more than 30,000 works across painting, sculpture, textiles, prints, and contemporary installations.
During the visit, students explored the galleries together and reflected on key ideas we’ve been studying in class, including the elements and principles of art and design as well as the significant role that religion and spirituality have played in the history of artistic expression.
Seeing original works in person gave students a deeper appreciation of visual art than textbooks or slides can provide. We also considered the museum itself, how architecture, lighting, and layout affect the way art is experienced.
This field trip was a valuable opportunity for students to practice looking closely, asking questions, and engaging thoughtfully with art in a professional setting. Experiences like this encourage students to see art not just as images in a textbook, but as an opportunity to question, interpret, and find personal meaning.
