A Hidden Gem on DePaul’s Campus: The Art Museum

The brick exterior of the DePaul Art Museum on a spring day, with blooming trees and the museum entrance clearly visible.

As a Junior at DePaul, I feel like I have seen and done everything, except go to DePaul’s own art museum. While we do get free entry into the Art Institute of Chicago, DePaul also has its own art museum. And guess what, it’s free, not just for students, but for the public too! They usually have 2-4 exhibits a year from artists here in Chicago and around the world. 

Now you may be wondering how I haven’t been before. From just not having a lot of classes in Lincoln Park to being busy it just slipped my mind. This unsuspecting place hidden right past the “L” stop can easily be overlooked. But don’t overlook it! It is such a great place to go too. I wish I would have gone sooner. As someone who loves art and who is absolutely always down for a trip to the Art Institute, I really enjoyed this fun look at some art.

 A collage of photos from a contemporary art exhibit at DePaul Art Museum featuring framed photography, text-based art, and book displays exploring cultural and identity themes.
A young woman with glasses takes a selfie in front of two soft-focus seascape photographs inside a gallery.<br />

Right now they have a photography exhibit. The pieces are impactful and interesting. This exhibit contains a lot of manipulation of self portraits. It’s a small 2 floor exhibit even with some seating! You can do the whole thing in 20 minutes or really take your time. Everyone moved at their own speed.  I enjoyed wandering the rooms and really liked the tranquility of it. Unlike how sometimes the Art Institute can be full of people, this was calm and quiet. It’s on campus, open a lot and offers a pleasant way to break up the day. 

This is such a hidden gem at DePaul and not everyone can brag that their campus has a full art museum. But we do! So I fully suggest going at least once to check out the new exhibits. It’s just one of the many perks of being a Blue Demon.

                                    ~Sienna

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