BYU Museum of Art in Provo, Utah

I belong to our ward’s “Literary Cluster Club”. We do book reviews of a different book each month. Each person gets a turn hosting the meeting at their home or somewhere else. 

This month, we went to the BYU (Brigham Young University) Museum of Art. 

One of the perks of this museum is there is no entrance fee. Museums have become so expensive to visit these days. It was refreshing to go in without having to pay a fee. 

The exhibits change from month to month. Some exhibits stay longer than others. 

The following art exhibits were open when we visited: 

• Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home
• Of Souls and Sacraments

I will do a deep dive into each of these exhibits further in this article, so keep reading:). 

Need a fresh idea for FHE (Family Home Evening)? Every Monday night at 7:15 p.m. (Mountain Time) the museum will do a special FHE tour for you and your family or friends. 

Use the hashtag #byumoa when sharing about the FHE tours on social media. 

History of the BYU Museum of Art 

Mahoni Mackintosh Young was one of Brigham Young’s grandsons. Mahonri donated his own artwork to the BYU. His generosity was contagious. Other artists began donating their artwork as well. 

The art collection grew and grew. Soon there was not enough space to display it all!

That’s when the idea for the BYU Museum of Art was born. The university decided to build a state-of-the-art museum to showcase all of their amazing artwork.

When was the BYU Museum of Art built?

Construction started in 1991, and just two years later, in 1993, the BYU Museum of Art opened its doors. 

Since then, the Brigham Young University Museum of Art has become an important cultural and educational resource. It provides a place for everyone to come together and engage with art in a meaningful way. 

The Design and Architecture of BYU Museum of Art 

The BYU Museum of Art was designed by Los Angeles architect James Langenheim and boasts a unique-looking triangular shape. 

Personnel from the Smithsonian Institution, the Getty Museum, and the National Gallery of Art also contributed to the design and planning of this structure. 

LeMar Terry and Stuart Silver, former directors of lighting and design at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, were among those involved with creating its lighting requirements and maximizing the space available. 

When I visited the BYU Museum of Art in Provo, Utah, I was instantly taken aback by how sophisticated and modern its exterior is. It’s a work of art in its own right. The building has a geometric shape with sleek lines and windows. It creates an impressive display even before you enter the museum. 

It’s clear that the architects put a lot of thought into creating a space that pairs perfectly with the world-class art inside. 

What to Expect When Visiting BYU Museum of Art 

This four-story modern facility consists of over 102,000 square feet of space and has been designed to showcase diverse artwork from around the world. 

Inside this museum, you will find ten exhibition galleries. It also includes an auditorium, a small theater, and a print study room.

Besides its educational opportunities, you can grab a light snack or drink at the Museum Café. The café overlooks the sculpture garden and reflection pool, so it’s a great spot for lunch with your friends or family. 

Don’t forget to pick up something special from their gift store! Here you’ll find souvenirs like postcard sets or calendar inspired by current exhibitions. It’s the perfect way to remember your visit! 

Location of BYU Museum of Art 

BYU Museum of Art is located at North Campus Drive, Provo, UT 84602.

Is the BYU Museum of Art free?

Admission to the museum is free in all cases, meaning you can experience all exhibitions and upcoming events without paying a dime. That’s right - it’s free admission for everyone! 

For certain limited events and activities, however, pre-booking might be required. 

BYU Museum of Art Hours

BYU Museum of Art is open:

Monday, Thursday, Friday - 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday - 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday - Closed

Museum Etiquette at BYU Museum of Art 

BYU Museum of Art has created some helpful guidelines for proper etiquette while inside the museum. 

• All artwork must be viewed from a minimum distance of 18 inches. 
• To help preserve the condition of artworks on display, backpacks, food, and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries. 
• Food and drink purchased at the MOA Café must remain inside that area only. 
• Personal use, non-flash photography and video from phones is acceptable unless otherwise indicated. 
• All film or photography requests should be made directly to the Museum Communications Department before any filming or photography takes place inside the galleries. 
• No sketching in galleries without prior approval from the Registration Department.
• Parent and caregivers should keep a close eye on their little one, so they don’t get lost or accidentally touch any artwork in the museum.
• All weapons and firearms are prohibited on BYU’s campus, including the Museum of Art. 
• No animals are allowed in the museum, except for trained service dogs. 

Parking at BYU Museum of Art

You can park near the North entrance on North Campus Drive or any available visitor lot on campus.

Current Exhibits at the BYU Museum of Art in Provo

Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home - open through September 23, 2023 

This features more than 70 paintings by the Western master Maynard Dixon (1875-1946). This traces the artist’s journey through the rugged landscape of the West and his search for a deeper meaning in life. The exhibition also includes some of Dixon’s original poetry. 

Of Souls and Sacraments - open through July 13, 2024

The exhibition promises an engaging look at some powerful religious imagery that continues to shape our understanding of faith today. 

The featured artworks include classic pieces by Jusepe de Ribera, Anthony van Dyck, Benjamin West. It also includes works by contemporary artists like Jorge Cocco Santangelo, Kirk Richards and Lisa DeLong. 

From the Vault - open through December 2023 

This exciting exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to experience artworks from some of America’s most iconic artists. It features renowned works by Minerva Teichart, Norman Rockwell, John Singer Sargent, Dorothy Weir Young, Mahonri Young and Daniel Ridgway Knight. 

Additionally, the exhibition features recent acquisitions to the Museum’s collection by Ernie Barnes, Elizabeth Catlett, and Joseph Paul Vorst. 

Each artist brings a unique perspective and style to their work, helping to create a diverse selection that visitors can enjoy.  

Sculpture Garden - ongoing

This is home to eleven sculptures in a variety of styles, ranging from figural/representational to abstracted geometric pieces. The landscape itself is just as beautiful, complementing the sculpture with its lush greenery and graceful pathways. 

Plexus No. 29 - ongoing

As visitors stroll through the museum, they are immediately struck by the vivid colors that filter through the skylight above them. This beautiful artwork was created by Gabriel Dawe to explore light as a language of symbolism. 

Monumental Matters - open through August 13, 2023

Anselm Kiefer, Rebecca Campbell, Paul Benney, Claudia Casarino, Georg Baselitz, and Mike Kelley are all well-known names in the world of art. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from each of these talented artists. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore their works on a monumental scale. 

How to Request a BYU Museum of Art Tour

Requesting a tour at BYU Museum of Art is easy - all you need to do is make your request two weeks in advance.

Their tours are led by a trained Museum Educator who can give you an in-depth look into the history and elements behind each piece of artwork on display. 

Request a Tour at BYU Museum of Art here. 

How to Donate Gifts to the BYU Museum of Art

The BYU MOA also relies on donations from anyone willing to give. Donations helps support the museum’s mission and preserve artwork for future generations. 

Donations of stocks, bonds, real estate, and works of art may also be accepted under certain conditions. 

If you’re looking to make these types of commitments, Philanthropies is available as an organization to coordinate gifts to BYU MOA as well as other entities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

You can make your donations online here. 

2023 Events at BYU Museum of Art 

• FHE at the MOA - Every Monday from 1st week of March to last week of April
• Print Study Room: Japanese Woodblock Prints - March 8, 2023 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
• Of Souls and Sacraments’ Gallery Talk with Philipp Malzl - March 8, 2023 - 12:10 p.m. - 12:40 p.m.
• Night at the Museums - March 10, 2023 - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 
• Maynard Dixon: A MOA Symposium - March 23 - March 25 
• General Conference Closure - April 1
• Print Study Room: 19th Century and Beyond - April 12
• Maynard Dixon: Searching for a Home’ Gallery Talk with Kitsa Behringer - April 12

Check out their events' calendar to see what fun and exciting activities are happening during your visit. 

BYU Museum Store 

The MOA store is another highlight of the BYU Museum of Art. Here you will find framed prints, catalogs and jewelry along with decorations for your home.

All proceeds generated from these sales go toward supporting educational programs offered by the museum, as well as helping with its preservation efforts. 

BYU MOA Café in Provo Utah

BYU Museum of Art Cafe Hours

Monday - Friday: 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

(Closed until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays for Devotional)

BYU MOA Menu

Combos

Choose any two for $12.89 

• Soup 
• Sandwich 
• Salad 

Sandwiches at the BYU MOA Café

Gluten-free alternatives: +$0/69 

French Dip - $8.49 - Roast Beef, Provolone, Garlic Butter, Au Jus Dipping Sauce, Baguette 

Honey Ham Panini - $8.99  - Ham, Bacon, Swiss, Apple, Honey Mustard, Ciabatta 

Croque Monsieur - $8.99  - Ham, Gruyère cheese, bread 

Italian Sandwich  - Salami, Ham, Turkey, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pepperoncini, Italian Dressing, on Ciabatta Bread 

Café Salads 

Full - $9.89

Half -  $6.39 

Very Berry - Romaine, Chicken, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Cinnamon Almonds, Poppy Seed Dressing 

Chicken Portobello Spinach Salad - Spinach, Red Onion, Garlic Herb Chicken, Portobello, Hard-boiled Egg, Feta Cheese, Sliced Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Raspberry, Italian Vinaigrette 

Soups

Broccoli Cheddar - $4.29 

Tomato Basil - $4.29 

Pasta

Full $7.79

Half $5.09

MOA Mac & Cheese - Macaroni & Cheese, Asiago, Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli, Basil Pesto 

Review: 5 stars 

I give the BYU Art Museum a 5-star review. I enjoyed going to a museum which was modest and has a sense of calm and peace. There are benches and areas to sit to rest, which is great for older people who enjoy coming to this museum but need to sit down from time to time. 

I also like the choice of exhibits. I was comfortable and walked around freely. 

The selection of artwork available at this museum is diverse and impressive. There are pieces representing various cultures, periods in history, styles, mediums, and themes. 

Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the BYU Museum of Art in Provo if you ever find yourself looking for an engaging cultural experience. 

To learn more, follow BYU Art Museum on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest. 

Check out the other museums in BYU: Brigham Young University Museums

Other Places to Visit in and near Provo, Utah

Homestead Crater

Provo City Center Temple

Evermore Park