Grand Valley State University’s Art Galleries were renamed the GVSU Art Museum in November 2024. The title was changed in an effort to highlight the museum’s dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and artistic achievements represented in its collection. In addition to the name change, the GVSU Art Museum is continuing their work of bringing unique exhibitions to campus.

The museum currently has the second-largest art collection in Michigan, and possesses over 28,000 works of art. Artwork is incorporated into every University building, creating a virtually borderless museum that spans across GVSU’s campuses. 

Nathan Kemler, the director of galleries and collections, initiated the name change after comprehensive conversations with the museum’s team, including its wider community partners and donors. Kemler said the term “museum” better communicates the depth of their collection, educational initiatives and community outreach efforts. 

“The transition to the GVSU Art Museum aligns with our commitment to enhancing the visibility, impact and academic rigor of our cultural resources,” Kemler said. “We believe that art matters because our shared humanity experiences and stories matter.” 

Kemler said the museum’s staff hopes the name change will better convey to students the resources they have available on campus.

“The GVSU Art Museum team empowers our community to engage with visual narratives that align with University values through diverse exhibitions, learning events resources and unparalleled access to art,” Kemler said.

Kelmer added that the name change should help signal to the broader community that the museum is a publicly accessible and open resource for all, not just GVSU students.

“In addition to our ever-changing exhibitions, every GVSU building acts as a museum gallery venue location, all of which are free to visit and engage in,” Kelmer said. “We continue to be leaders in the museum field by offering full digital access to our collection online and a mobile companion app for helping one navigate and learn more about the artwork they are looking at.”

The GVSU Art Museum mobile companion app, “Art at GVSU,” can serve as a tool for students and the public community to discover art in the University’s collection.

The museum’s current exhibition in the Haas Center for Performing Arts, “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet,” focuses on earth and society’s climate impact. Other museum exhibits opening soon include “Compelling Visions: The Art of Narrative in Japanese Prints” and “2024 Padnos International Center Photo Contest.”

Ed Aboufadel, the senior associate vice president for Academic Affairs and the Art Museum’s appointing officer, said Grand Rapids has a thriving arts community, which is highlighted by ArtPrize every September. Aboufadel believes the GVSU Art Museum is an anchor for the Grand Rapids community, and he welcomes the public to enjoy and learn from the pieces on display at GVSU’s campuses.

“Students should think of all (of) GVSU (campuses) as a thriving art museum,” said Aboufadel. “I would like them to look around when they are on campus and see how art infuses all our buildings. We place works of art in classrooms, hallways, gathering spaces and elsewhere in a way unprecedented at (other) universities.”

Kemler noted that the museum believes art has the power to move people, bridge gaps in understanding and spark collective imagination toward building a better, more equitable world. 

“In support of these outcomes, the Art Museum acquires, preserves, interprets, exhibits and makes accessible a diverse collection of art across all GVSU public spaces for the benefit of faculty, students and community.”