The Renaissance Society at The University of Chicago

The Renaissance Society is an independent contemporary art institution located on the campus of the University of Chicago. Founded in 1915 to encourage a greater understanding of culture, we present exhibitions, public programs, and publications that advance the ideas and expressions of our time. 

Throughout its history “the Ren” has been known for presenting vital practices from across the world: the first US exhibition of Alexander Calder’s mobiles in 1934; the Chicago debuts of Bruce Nauman, Joseph Kosuth and Jenny Holzer in the 1970s and 80s; key solo exhibitions by Mike Kelley (1988), Isa Genzken (1992), Félix Gonzáles-Torres (1994), Kerry James Marshall (1998), Joan Jonas (2004), Danh Vo (2012), and Nora Schultz (2014). 

Today the Renaissance Society maintains this commitment to supporting ambitious artistic experimentation, primarily through the commissioning of new works, and to fostering a rigorous and interdisciplinary discourse around it. In addition to our exhibition program, we host a dynamic range of concerts, performances, lectures, screenings, and readings. Admission to the gallery and events is always free.