The program in history of art at Michigan is recognized as one of the best and most diverse in the country. With over twenty permanent faculty, we offer a truly global and multi-cultural perspective, including specialist study of Asian, African, Middle Eastern, as well as European and American art and visual culture. Our program's main areas of historical focus are the modern and contemporary, the medieval and early modern in both Asia and Europe, and the ancient world.

Our close connections with museums in the region, the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, as well as those elsewhere (Freer and Sackler Galleries, Washington), encourage projects based on first-hand study of original works of art and archival materials. We jointly sponsor the Interdepartmental Program in Classical Art and Archaeology with the Classics Department and participate in the interdisciplinary Museum Studies Program.