Collection

Our museum features works from diverse aesthetic and cultural origins encompassing over 10,000 years of human history. Our growing collection of more than 12,500 objects represents the wide range of materials used in the creation of art. We present our collections in exhibitions and programming to spark curiosity and inspire dialogue. Since the foundation of our collections in 1939 as a resource for teaching, we have been a hub for exploration of art. 

In keeping with the Open Access initiative at the University of Colorado, we're beginning to offer high-res images of our collection for download through our online collection portal. Please refer to our terms and conditions document and start searching our collection!

We are continually growing our collection through gifts and acquisitions that support our commitment to being a nexus of learning and collaboration for the communities we serve.

The CU Art Museum does not provide appraisal, provenance or attribution services. To find a licensed appraiser in your area, please contact the American Society of Appraisers, the International Society of Appraisers or the Appraisers Association of America.

CU Boulder is committed to making information and resources that are available via the web accessible for all users. The advanced search used to view the collection   View the Collection is currently not fully accessible for individuals who are using screen readers and other assistive technologies. If you use assistive technology please use the simple search version to view the collection   View an Accessible Version of the Collection

Collections

Ancient & Classical

Our Ancient and Classical Collection provides an overview of the ancient and classical world and offers many opportunities for cross-cultural study.

Art of the Americas

Art of the Americas is represented by a diverse array of North, Central and South American art, including 19th- and 20th-century paintings, drawings, prints and photography, as well as contemporary art.

Asian

We have a rich array of Asian art in our collection, ranging from neolithic objects to leading-edge contemporary works.

Modern & Contemporary

Our globally diverse collection of modern and contemporary art encompasses drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, video and digital media.

The Sharkive

The Sharkive is an internationally important collection of prints created in the studio of Bud and Barbara Shark. It comprises over 2,700 prints and related materials from 40 years of collaborative work in lithography, monotype and woodcut.