MADISON, WIS.- When the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin–Madison reopens its doors this fall, visitors won’t simply return to a familiar destination — they’ll experience an entirely new way of seeing the collection.
After a full reinstallation of its collection galleries, the Chazen is unveiling a dynamic and visitor-centered approach to exhibiting the artwork in its collection. Paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics have been thoughtfully regrouped to emphasize surprising connections across time, culture and medium — transforming the traditional museum visit into a journey of unexpected connections and personal discovery.
Rather than following a strict art historical timeline, each gallery will feature numerous artworks that all revolve around a single “focus object” that anchors a network of ideas and visual relationships. This approach creates a more intuitive, engaging experience where longtime favorites appear in new contexts, in some cases alongside works never previously displayed.
“It’s less of an instruction manual and more of an invitation,” says Chazen Director Amy Gilman. “We want it to feel more personal and approachable without sacrificing depth. Visitors can follow what catches their attention and trust their instincts about what they experience.”
The reinstallation reflects a broader shift in how museums engage audiences. Chief Curator Katherine Alcauskas explains that reimagining traditional methods of display allows every artwork to play a meaningful role. “By centering each gallery on one object, we’re uncovering unexpected stories throughout the collection,” she says. “Visitors may discover artworks they’ve never noticed — or find a new favorite they didn’t expect.”
The Chazen also reexamined how people interact with art spaces, shaping every aspect of the redesign from concise, welcoming gallery text to seating that encourages reflection. The result is an environment designed for exploration rather than passive observation.
Further enhancing accessibility and engagement, the museum will launch a new mobile app on the Bloomberg Connects platform. The app will feature digital maps, audio descriptions for low-vision visitors, self-guided tours and exclusive audio content, expanding how audiences connect with the collection both in-gallery and beyond.
The gallery walls themselves reflect varied artistic traditions. Some incorporate rich colors and patterns inspired by historical display practices, while others maintain clean, modern aesthetics — creating immersive environments tailored to the art they house.
Highlights of the reinstallation include Sam Gilliam’s vibrant abstract work “Pink Flutter” (1969) anchoring a gallery that explores color, movement and depth. Another gallery centers on Wisconsin’s cultural legacy through John Steuart Curry’s “Wisconsin Farm Scene” (1941), connecting art with the Wisconsin Idea and the university’s impact on communities across the state.
The reinstallation project also underscores the Chazen’s role as both a public institution and a teaching museum. Faculty, students and community members contributed insights from disciplines including history, religious studies, material science and studio art, helping shape an experience that is both intellectually rich and widely accessible.
“This was a chance to rethink not just what visitors see, but how they experience a museum overall,” says Exhibition and Collection Project Manager Kate Wanberg. “We’re creating spaces that feel welcoming and intuitive while still inspiring deeper curiosity and connection.”
As one of the cultural anchors of UW–Madison and the broader community, the Chazen’s reopening marks more than a refresh — it represents a renewed vision for what an art museum can be: a place to contemplate, converse and discover.
