When it comes to exploring universities, most people think of grand lecture halls, state-of-the-art libraries, and bustling student unions. However, many institutions of higher learning have hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. From secret gardens to underground tunnels, these concealed treasures can provide a unique glimpse into a university's history, culture, and values. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore 12 university tours that reveal these hidden gems, offering a fresh perspective on the college experience.
Uncovering the Secrets of University Campuses
University tours are an excellent way to get a feel for a campus, its facilities, and its community. While many tours focus on the most popular attractions, some universities offer specialized tours that delve into their lesser-known aspects. These tours can be a great way to discover hidden passageways, obscure artworks, and even paranormal activity. Whether you are a prospective student, a history buff, or simply a curious individual, these tours are sure to captivate and inspire.
1. University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum
Nestled in the heart of Oxford, England, the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum is a treasure trove of art, archaeology, and natural history. With a collection that spans over 8 million objects, the museum offers a range of tours that cater to different interests. From the Egyptian galleries to the Raphael Cartoons, visitors can uncover the fascinating stories behind these iconic artifacts. For instance, the Ashmolean Museum is home to the Alfred Jewel, a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon ornament that is considered one of the finest examples of Insular art.
| University | Museum | Collection Size |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Ashmolean Museum | 8 million objects |
2. Harvard University’s Harvard Art Museums
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University’s Harvard Art Museums comprise three separate institutions: the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Sackler Museum. With a combined collection of over 250,000 objects, the museums offer a range of tours that highlight their diverse holdings. From Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations, visitors can engage with some of the world’s most significant artworks. For example, the Fogg Museum is home to an impressive collection of French art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
3. University of California, Berkeley’s Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
Situated in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a premier destination for art and film enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 20,000 objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From Asian art to contemporary photography, visitors can discover the latest trends and innovations in the art world. For instance, BAMPFA is known for its outdoor film screenings, which take place on the museum’s rooftop terrace during the summer months.
4. University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum
Founded in 1816, the Fitzwilliam Museum is the principal museum of the University of Cambridge. With a collection that spans over 500,000 objects, the museum offers a range of tours that cater to different interests. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist paintings, visitors can uncover the fascinating stories behind these iconic objects. For example, the Fitzwilliam Museum is home to an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
5. Yale University’s Yale Center for British Art
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Yale Center for British Art is the largest and most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. With a collection that spans over 2,000 objects, the center offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From J.M.W. Turner’s watercolors to Lucian Freud’s portraits, visitors can engage with some of the most significant works of British art. For instance, the Yale Center for British Art is home to an impressive collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings, including works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais.
6. University of Michigan’s University of Michigan Museum of Art
Situated in the heart of the University of Michigan campus, the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 18,000 objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From Asian art to contemporary sculpture, visitors can discover the latest trends and innovations in the art world. For example, UMMA is known for its artist commissions, which feature site-specific installations by renowned artists.
7. Stanford University’s Cantor Arts Center
Located in Stanford, California, the Cantor Arts Center is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 38,000 objects, the center offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From Rodin’s sculptures to contemporary photography, visitors can engage with some of the most significant works of art. For instance, the Cantor Arts Center is home to an impressive collection of African art, including masks, sculptures, and textiles.
8. University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art
Situated in the heart of the University of Chicago campus, the Smart Museum of Art is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 15,000 objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From European paintings to contemporary installations, visitors can discover the latest trends and innovations in the art world. For example, the Smart Museum of Art is known for its temporary exhibitions, which feature works by renowned artists and curators.
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MIT Museum
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the MIT Museum is a premier destination for science and technology enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 1 million objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From robotics to artificial intelligence, visitors can engage with some of the most cutting-edge innovations in the field. For instance, the MIT Museum is home to an impressive collection of Katherine Gallagher’s art, which explores the intersection of art and technology.
10. University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Museum
Situated in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, the Penn Museum is a premier destination for history and culture enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 1 million objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Native American cultures, visitors can uncover the fascinating stories behind these iconic objects. For example, the Penn Museum is home to an impressive collection of sarcophagi, including the Tomb of Ramses I.
11. Columbia University’s Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery
Located in New York City, the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 5,000 objects, the gallery offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From contemporary photography to Latin American art, visitors can discover the latest trends and innovations in the art world. For instance, the Wallach Art Gallery is known for its artists’ talks, which feature renowned artists and curators discussing their work and creative processes.
12. Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art
Situated in the heart of the Duke University campus, the Nasher Museum of Art is a premier destination for art enthusiasts. With a collection that spans over 13,000 objects, the museum offers a range of tours that explore its diverse holdings. From European paintings to African art, visitors can engage with some of the most significant works of art. For example, the Nasher Museum of Art is home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian art, including ceramics, textiles, and sculptures.
What are some of the most popular university tours?
+Some of the most popular university tours include the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, Harvard University’s Harvard Art Museums, and the University of California, Berkeley’s Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
What can I expect to see on a university tour?
+On a university tour, you can expect to see a range of attractions, including museums, galleries, libraries, and historic buildings. Many tours also offer a glimpse into the university’s history, culture, and values.
How can I book a university tour?
+To book a university tour, you can usually visit the university’s website and look for the “visit” or “tours” section. Many universities also offer online booking systems, which allow you to select a tour date and time that suits your schedule.
