11-15-14

The Chazen Museum of Art is a great place to visit for fans of all kinds of art and no admission is charged. Photography is permitted for free also, flash use is prohibited and camera hand-held only. With advance notice, you can bring in a tripod and other equipment, or an easel of you want to paint your own painting!

This museum is also part of the University of Wisconsin campus. It originally was called the Elvehjem Art Center when it opened in 1970 and in 1978 changed to the Elvehjem Museum of Art. The adjoining new building was completed in 2011. Docents sometimes give tours to both small and large groups.

We have been here before for a music performance in 2013.  A weekly event that was called “Live From the Chazen”, is no longer being performed.  Today we were here to see the many art displays and we were impressed by the variety. Even the lobby (Paige Court) was beautiful, this is a view from the 2nd floor balcony.

 We begin our tour in the Elvehjem building. Here are a few select pieces.

The Fall of Novgorod, painted in 1891

 Our Good Earth, 1942

No art museum in Wisconsin would be complete without a few pieces by Frank Lloyd Wright, inspiration for Madison’s own Monona Terrace Convention Center.

This is his work, The Tree of Life, 1904

Even the catwalk joining the two buildings has art. This is

Optic Twist Screen #2, 1977

On the other side..

Bird, 1958

Cameo, 1973

Black Jack, 2006

This is just a small sample of the many beautiful works of art here. You can browse the collections here on their website if you can’t see them in person. A great place to visit if you come to Madison.