Washington University Department of Art History and Archaeology

The Department of Art History and Archaeology at Washington University in Saint Louis has a rich past and a vibrant present. One of the oldest Art History programs west of the Mississippi, the Department was an important force in establishing recognition for Art History outside of the eastern United States. The program was built by some of the foremost figures in the discipline, including Horst Janson, Frederick Hartt, and George Mylonas. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum (formerly The Washington University Gallery of Art which was founded in 1881) is home to one of the most important modern art collections in the Midwest, and is one of the most distinguished university collections in the United States. The Department is housed within the distinguished School of Arts and Sciences, and is also an active collaborator with the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts.