Renaissance Society

The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago presents contemporary art exhibitions, events, and publications. Founded in 1915 by a group of faculty members, we are an independent, non-collecting museum that combines a flexible, experimental ethos with focused, rigorous inquiry. We aim to create the best possible conditions for art and artists, and our commitment to supporting ambitious artistic expression frequently takes the form of newly commissioned exhibitions. Regular events include artist talks, lectures, concerts, and readings, which present opportunities for further discovery and discussion, while our publications offer critical reflection on and documentation of the exhibitions. In our first 100 years over 3400 individuals have contributed to our program. Artists include: Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, Mies Van Der Rohe, Käthe Kollwitz, Joseph Cornell, Joseph Kosuth, Louise Bourgeois, Dan Graham, Mike Kelley, Isa Genzken, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Kerry James Marshall, Joan Jonas, Steve McQueen, Danh Vō, Nora Schultz, and Mathias Poledna.