Henry Art Gallery

The Henry Art Gallery, known as “The Henry,” is a prominent contemporary art museum located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Established in February 1927, it holds the distinction of being the first public art museum in Washington. The museum was named after Horace C. Henry, a local businessman who not only funded its founding but also donated a collection of paintings he had started in the 1890s. This initial collection, along with Henry’s vision, laid the foundation for the museum’s growth and development​​.

Primarily focusing on contemporary art and the history of photography, The Henry’s exhibition program has featured significant exhibitions from renowned artists such as Ann Hamilton, Maya Lin, and Lynn Hershman Leeson. These exhibitions have explored various facets of contemporary art, often challenging and engaging the senses and perceptions of the viewer​​.

The Henry’s collection comprises over 28,000 objects, including historical and contemporary photography, thanks to the partial gift and purchase of the Joseph and Elaine Monsen collection. Additionally, the museum inherited a significant collection from the University of Washington’s former Costume and Textile Study Center. Among its notable features is the James Turrell Skyspace, Light Reign, an immersive site-specific sculpture completed in 2003. The Henry provides access to these collections for research and public interest through in-house and online public access, including the Eleanor Henry Reed Collection Study Center and the online collections database​​. It’s recommended to check their website for up to date information about exhibitions that may feature Australian Aboriginal Art.