The surprising Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is part of the University of Virginia (which was designed by Thomas Jefferson). The small museum opened in 1997 through a gift by businessman John W. Kluge, who began collecting Aboriginal art in the 1980s and amassed one of the top private collections in the world. In 1993 he purchased the collection and archives of the late Professor Edward Ruhe, a prominent Aboriginal art collector and researcher. Ruhe’s archives comprise the core of the museum’s study center.
Two Summer Exhibitions Showcase Breadth of Aboriginal Art
The museum, which is free to the public, displays a rotating selection of exhibits. This summer, two collections are on view. Timeless: Bark Paintings from Arnehm Land includes pieces from the major art producing communities in Northern Australia. These interesting paintings on eucalyptus bark are rich with texture and color and depict themes from Aboriginal stories. Featured artists include Yirawala, John Mawurndjul, Paddy Dhatangu, Narritjin Maymuru and Gawarrin Gumana. The opening reception for the exhibition is May 22.
The second exhibition is All Time Favorites: Best Loved Works from the Kluge-Ruhe Collection. This eclectic show features work in a variety of media including traditional paintings, bark paintings and sculpture. The pieces were produced throughout Australia over a 60-year period and were part of the works purchased by Kluge and Ruhe.
Learning more about Aboriginal Art
Being part of the University of Virginia, the museum has a strong commitment to education. Each spring they offer a course of adults through the university’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Past topics have included the history of Aboriginal Art and the Avant-garde in Aboriginal art. The Kluge-Ruhe offers a variety of children’s program aimed to introduce kids 6-12 to Aboriginal art through interactive, hands-on art instruction. Special lectures and Saturday guided tours are available throughout the year.
Planning a Trip to Historic Charlottesville
After exploring the Kluge-Ruhe collection, head to the main campus of the University of Virginia for a guided tour of the campus designed by Thomas Jefferson. Tours of the Rotunda (visitors will notice a striking similarity to Jefferson’s own home, Monticello) and Lawn are free and offered year round except during the winter break. Tours meet daily at the Rotunda at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
For luxury accommodations stay at the Orient Express Keswick Hotel. Located in the beautiful Charlottesville countryside (but only 10 minutes out of town) this mansion turned boutique hotel features upscale accommodations, an Arnold Palmer signature golf course, award-winning restaurant inspired by the food of Thomas Jefferson's era and a pampering spa.
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