The Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison displays more than 20,000 works including Chinese ceramics, Indian folk art, Russian and Soviet paintings, European watercolors and modern sculpture. The Chazen has one of the largest art collections in Wisconsin, second only to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Best and worst time to go to Chazen Museum of Art
As a university town, Madison is more difficult to navigate during football games or school events. Aim for the summer months or weekdays when classes are in session.
Must see/do at Chazen Museum of Art
Soviet-era paintings in the Joseph E. Davies Collection provide an interesting glimpse into everyday Soviet life. The Jane Werner Watson Collection is notable for its hundreds of Indian miniatures. The paintings of UW alumnus John Wilde are playful in a surrealist vein and represent a unique local find.
Admission to Chazen Museum of Art
Admission to the Chazen is free. Guided tours are available on Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.
Parking and public transportation to Chazen Museum of Art
You can enter the museum off University Avenue or through Library Mall off of State Street. Buses going east stop one block south of the Chazen at Johnson and Park, while buses going west drop you just shy of the University Avenue entrance. Parking at the State Street Campus Ramp (off Lake Street between University and State) provides easy access from either side with no busy street crossings.
Food at Chazen Museum of Art
Many restaurants and coffee shops can be found along nearby State Street. Daily Scoop at the Memorial Union (just to the north across Langdon Street) serves local Babcock Dairy ice cream along with sandwiches, salads and coffee. Prices are reasonable at a few dollars per item, and discounts are available on certain combinations of items.
Insider tip for visitors to Chazen Museum of Art
Library Mall is a popular destination for food carts around lunchtime on weekdays. Grab a quick, cheap bite on your way into or out of the Chazen. (Just note that no food or drinks are allowed inside.)
Elisabeth Cook is a freelance writer who has lived in Wisconsin for over 10 years.
