Research and Teaching

University of Michigan faculty across the spectrum of disciplines—from art history to zoology, medicine to creative writing—use UMMA’s collections and special exhibitions in their teaching and research. In our expanded facility—with vastly more works of art on view, new object study classrooms, and a state-of-the-art auditorium—the opportunities to engage the Museum of Art in academic planning will be greatly enhanced.

Two of these opportunities supported in part by the Getty Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services and particularly well-suited to exploration are:

• Marvin and Phyllis Dolinko Curatorial Research Center (CRC)
  The Dolinko CRC is open to faculty, students, scholars, and the general public. Located on the lower level of the Frankel Wing, the Dolinko CRC contains books, archives, and digital resources relating to the Museum's collections and is open Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 pm by appointment. Staff guided search is available to assist faculty and instructors in planning for use of the UMMA paper/objects study classrooms. Submit a Curatorial Research Center Reservation.


• Object Study Classrooms
  Two specially outfitted object-study classrooms provide university and post-graduate educators, scholars, or classroom groups of up to 20 people with the opportunity to study at close range original works of art from UMMA's outstanding collections. Please no food or drink; pencil only. The Ernestine and Herbert Ruben Study Center for Works on Paper and Object Study Classroom are located on the lower level of the Frankel Wing. Submit an Object / Paper Study Reservation.

In past years, faculty members have served as guest curators of temporary exhibitions and have led their classes in the selection of objects for display, creation of didactic materials, and the publication of gallery guides and handouts. UM students are involved in research either for course credit, for pay, or on a volunteer basis. Their participation is invaluable to a variety of projects that extend beyond traditional curatorial research and writing, including work on the Museum’s website, publications, gallery installations, information technology, and communications. Through UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program), undergraduates have undertaken particular research projects while also bringing a vital new perspective to the daily operations of the Museum. See For UM Students to learn more.