A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary practice, MAG offers a panorama of the world’s art. Our 14-acre campus is a spectacular public art space that is a popular destination for Rochesterians and out-of-town visitors alike. Mission and Vision

MAG’s permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects has been called “the best balanced in the state outside of metropolitan New York City.” In addition to its collection, the museum offers a year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, and family activities.

MAG’s Mission Statement

Through art, MAG connects people, inspires fun, and ignites discovery.

MAG’s Strategic Plan, Executive Summary (2020-2025) [PDF]

Vision

As the center of the conversation on creativity, MAG builds community and enriches the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Values

MAG stands for: Art and Culture; Learning and Joy; Accessibility and Inspiration; Stewardship and Integrity; and Community and Sociability.

About MAG

The museum was founded in 1913 by Emily Sibley Watson as a memorial to her son, architect James Averell. Given in trust to the University of Rochester, it is one of the few university-affiliated art museums in the country that also serves as a community art museum. Today it is supported primarily by its members, and the University of Rochester.

The Memorial Art Gallery is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Half-price Thursday admission is made possible by Monroe County, with additional support from FULL MEA5URE.