Things to know before you go!
The Memorial Art Gallery of the University or Rochester has an extensive permanent collection, an incredible variety of traveling exhibitions, & a well-rounded calendar of events and art classes.
Outside the Memorial Art Gallery
On the museum campus, you’ll find the Sculpture Park, including The Creation Story by sculptor Tom Otterness, and The Unicorn Family by Wendell Castle.
Around the perimeter is the Poets Walk and Story Walk. This “urban gathering space” in the Neighborhood of the Arts welcomes you to explore the grounds for free and use your imagination to interact with the elements.
There is Morse Code set in the brick sidewalks. No spoilers! Try to decipher it yourself (here’s a Morse Code translator) or read about it here.
Visit in the evening
And enjoy Double-Positive and other outdoor lighting installations.
Inside the Memorial Art Gallery – First Floor
The first floor showcases traveling exhibitions and rotating collections.
Inside the Memorial Art Gallery – Second Floor
Second floor exhibits hold timeless collections of famous paintings and priceless artifacts. Visit during an Italian Baroque Organ concert!
Each Sunday students from the Eastman School of Music give 25-minute mini-recitals at 1 and 3 pm. Once a month from October to May, the organ is featured in Third Thursday evening showcase concerts with the Eastman School. Concerts are offered free with Gallery admission.
Borrow a VIP Pass from the library for discounted admission to the Memorial Art Gallery! $7.50 admission per person up to 4 people. Free admission for children 6 – 18 (up to 4 total). Not valid for ticketed events/receptions.
Enjoy discounted admissions or ticket purchases at these destinations with the Monroe County Library System VIP Pass!
More information about the Memorial Art Gallery
Check out “MAG Thursdays” from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Half price admission, live music, wine, beer and food for purchase. There are also family-centric cultural heritage days when admission is free ($5 donation suggested.) The MAG is always trying new things, most likely influenced by their affiliation with the University of Rochester, and their location in downtown Rochester.
Cost: Admission Fee; free to explore the grounds outside
Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)
More information: mag.rochester.edu
Pick a beautiful day to visit Albright-Knox so you can explore the grounds outside, along with Delaware Park in the museum’s backyard.
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Memorial Art Gallery Story Walk
The Memorial Art Gallery Story Walk runs along Goodman St between University Ave. and Anderson Ave. It includes stories, memoirs, and family histories.
What is your favorite spot at the Memorial Art Gallery?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
Is this a good time to go to the museum, (during this pandemic)? We are thinking of going the week after christmas. Please let me know if museum will be open and if the restaurant will be available. I am from Toledo. I am a Toledo Museum of Art Ambassador. I will be coming in an unofficial capacity.