The permanent collection began in 1969 with the purchase of a collection medieval art and has since grown vastly in size. The permanent collection houses pieces of art from a variety of different themes including medieval and renaissance art, African art as well as a collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. The museum also features over 3,000 pieces of American art while the current focus of the museum is on growing its collection of contemporary art.
The Past is Present exhibit showcases 60 pieces of art from the ancient Mediterranean World being made up of a range of vase paintings, sculptures, gold jewelry and carved amber.
Another interesting item that is located in the grounds of the museum known as ‘Side-Steppin’. This large scale structure was composed entirely of natural components which were mainly branches and saplings. This piece of art is an usual work that is unique to artist Patrick Dougherty who is internationally renowned for his unusual environmental pieces of art.
Beyond the permanent collection the museum also regularly hosts a variety of art that is borrowed for a short time. The themes of these exhibitions are various in their nature and present an exciting opportunity to go beyond the normal exhibits that are present at the museum.
Visitors to Durham should definitely not miss the opportunity to visit the Nasher Museum of Art. Of the many Durham hotels in the area, none can match the level of service and hospitality that is provided by the Millennium Hotel Durham.
