Located on-campus at U-Dub (University of Washington), Henry Art Gallery has been pushing the boundaries of artistic expression since 1927. 'The Henry' champions the contemporary art and ideas of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and beyond from the advent of photography in the mid-19th century to today's multi-genre platforms of art and design.
Named for a local businessman, Horace C. Henry, who donated the initial funding, the large gallery is renowned for sophisticated and thought-provoking modern and contemporary artworks. The permanent collection numbers around 25,000 pieces with a recent emphasis on acquiring significant examples of photography, new media and installation art. Highlights within the space are contemporary artworks on paper, 19th-century landscapes and prints, Japanese folk pottery, prints and ceramics, West Coast examples of ceramics, ethnic costumes, Central Asian rugs and textiles from India and Japan.
Notable artworks include the permanent exhibit of light manipulating sculptor James Turrell titled 'Light Reign', a meditative elliptical chamber that allows visitors to view the sky and features coloured LED lights for illumination at night, and the reflective artwork of Richard C. Elliot, 'Cycle of the Sun' displayed in the sculpture alcoves of the exterior of the museum, which uses 21,500 bicycle and truck reflectors and transforms with the light and seasons. The gallery is particularly strong in regards to the history of photography with examples from daguerreotypes to digital images.
General admission is US$10 with free entry on Thursdays and for children aged 13 years and under. Special exhibitions may attract a separate entry fee. Free 30-minute guided tours are led through the Henry on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 to 12:30pm. To visit from downtown Seattle, take buses 43, 66, 71 or 72 to the University District, alight at the campus and walk a few minutes to Henry Art Gallery.
