Upcoming Exhibits
Our Mission
The Art Museum and Galleries at W&L advance learning through direct engagement with the collections and facilitate an interdisciplinary appreciation of art, history, and culture.
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A Portrait of a President: George Washington at 250
July 3, 2026 – Ongoing
Leyburn Library Atrium
Over the course of his career, American painter Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828), painted several portraits of George Washington, establishing the defining presidential image of the United States’ first president. These portrait types can be divided into three versions: the “Vaughan” type, the “Athenaeum” version, and the “Lansdowne” portrait. In 1980, W&L received a copy of this latter version painted by the English-born American artist William Winstanley (1775–1806). Since the 1980s, the Art Museum’s George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait), has been displayed in the University Library. This year, as the US commemorates its semiquincentennial, we reconsider this foundational figure, reflect on his importance to the country and to this university, and recognize the lasting legacies of Washington as we look towards the next 250 years of this nation.
Image (left): William Winstanley (after Gilber Stuart), ca. 1795 – 1805, oil on canvas. Museums at W&L, Gift of The Warner Foundation, U1980.1.1.
Zhang Xiaoli/Block Party!
September 2 – December 12, 2026
Watson Galleries
Image (left): Lego Mountain, 2025, Ink and color on paper, Hanging Scroll. Courtesy of the artist
150 Years of Art at W&L
September 2, 2026 – June 27, 2027
Watson Galleries and University Library
Image (left): Zachary Taylor (1828-1868), Jacques Amans. Gift of Dr. William Mercer. W&L Art Museum U1875.1.5