Center for Visual Arts
The Center for Visual Arts, one of the most radical University of Toledo buildings, is not located on the Bancroft campus, but on the campus of the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
The University formed an educational partnership with the museum in 1987. The partnership is crucial for UToledo students, offering amazing resources and opportunities for learning.
The Center for Visual Arts was completed in 1992 and houses the Department of Art. It was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, known for his unconventional buildings. The juxtaposition of the swirling, metal-clad building attached to the classical Toledo Museum of Art was controversial.
Gehry defended his design, stating, “When someone has tried to mimic or play with the imagery of an existing building from a different time, for a different purpose, and for a different budget, they fail. It was important to me that we were not disrespectful of the museum’s (original) building.”
The center is the home of student, faculty and visiting artist exhibitions throughout the year. It also houses studio and art education classrooms, a digital studio and the Haugh Auditorium.
Across the street from the Center, the Sculptural Studies Building gives students the chance to work with faculty on bronze pouring and other materials.
