Toledo Museum of Art

What do an Emmy-winning artist, an international chess grandmaster, and a pioneering social activist have in common? They excel at turning challenges into triumphs through creativity, strategy, and resilience. Join us for an inspiring conversation featuring: Modupeola Fadugba , Nigerian artist whose work bridges art, science, and social engagement. Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, the first African-American Chess Grandmaster and champion of transformative thinking. Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, empowering underserved communities through education and mentorship Dr. Lanisa Kitchiner , TMA’s Curator of African Art and a leader in showcasing African innovation. This thought-provoking discussion will explore how these trailblazers overcome obstacles and inspire change in their fields—and beyond. From artistic masterpieces to chessboard victories, their strategies reveal how creativity and persistence drive success. 📌 Registration is open for in-person and online participation. All registered attendees will receive access to the event recording. 🔗 Click here to reserve your spot and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gkrQH5kp This free event is presented in connection with Strategic Interplay: African Art and Imagery in Black and White. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your perspective and fuel your next big move!

TMA is embracing the possibilities of the 21st century while staying true to our rich history. We’re reimagining what a museum can be—not just a repository for art but a dynamic space that fosters deeper connections with visitors, strengthens community bonds, and engages audiences on a global scale. This year, our efforts to bring people together through art have been more impactful than ever. Events like our annual Block Party brought thousands of people to our 37-acre campus, creating opportunities for connection and celebration. This year’s event also welcomed over 40 digital artists and collectors from across North America, who marveled at the creativity and inclusivity of Toledo’s cultural scene. Initiatives like these show that art is a unifying force, bringing people together in meaningful ways. We’ve also expanded our reach through TMA Labs, our in-house think tank that explores the intersection of art and technology. One of this year’s highlights was our collaboration with the Ethiopian artist collective Yatreda, whose House of Yatreda installation blended digital innovation with cultural tradition. Visitors were invited to engage with interactive elements, including an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and even left as art collectors, receiving handmade glass cups embedded with digital artworks. These experiences deepen the connection between art and community, extending our mission far beyond the museum walls. Globally, our exhibition Ethiopia at the Crossroads marked a historic moment. It featured the Shield of Magdala, a restituted treasure displayed in the U.S. for the first time before returning to Ethiopia. This collaboration, accompanied by a moving presentation from His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, underscored the power of partnerships in enhancing both our exhibitions and our role in the international museum community. We’re proud that this exhibition was named the best in the world for 2024 by Apollo Magazine. As we look ahead, we remain committed to innovation, collaboration, and creating transformative experiences. The Toledo Museum of Art is more than a place to see art—it’s a place to connect, inspire, and imagine a brighter future. Together, we’re redefining what a museum can be. Read more about how we are building a vibrant community and more in the latest issue of Art Matters: https://lnkd.in/gUPwd_qK

🌟 Meet Robert Schindler: The Visionary Behind a Groundbreaking Exhibition 🌟 Robert Schindler, William Hutton Curator of European Art at the Toledo Museum of Art, is bringing centuries-old stories into the spotlight with Rachel Ruysch: Nature into Art, the first-ever monographic exhibition of the Dutch flower still-life painter Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750). The idea for this groundbreaking exhibition began with a moment of discovery. In 2017, Schindler came across a painting by Anna Ruysch—Rachel’s equally talented but lesser-known sister—at an art fair. Fascinated by their contrasting career paths and struck by the lack of research on Rachel Ruysch, Schindler embarked on an ambitious journey to explore her life and art. Supported by a Clark Art Institute Curatorial Fellowship, his vision grew into an international collaboration with the Alte Pinakothek in Munich and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This extraordinary exhibition goes beyond art—it delves into themes that resonate deeply today, from botany and natural history to colonization and scientific innovation. It’s a testament to Schindler’s ability to connect art and ideas in ways that inspire curiosity and conversation. Curious to learn more about the inspiration and research that led to this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition? Check out the full story in ArtHERStory’s latest article: https://lnkd.in/eCcubiHV. Let’s celebrate the power of art to spark new connections and insights. What inspires you most about Rachel Ruysch’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments! The Rachel Ruysch: Nature into Art Exhibition opens at TMA on April 13, 2025. #ArtInspiration #RachelRuysch #ArtExhibition #CuratorialVision #MuseumLeadership #ToledoMuseumOfArt #TMA

We are honored to be nominated as one of the best museums in the U.S. by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting is open now through February 17, and you can cast your vote daily to help TMA earn this incredible distinction. Vote here: https://bit.ly/42d5oqm

Hey educators! Have you experienced the power of art in your classroom? At TMA, creativity can transform learning across all subjects. That’s why we’re inviting you to our Teacher Professional Development Workshops: The Power of Art Across the Curriculum! In just 2 hours, you’ll explore how to use art to ignite curiosity, foster creative thinking, and make meaningful connections with your students, no matter the subject. Plus, you'll get hands-on with art projects and leave with practical resources ready to use in your classroom. It’s only 2 hours $25 per session Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your teaching with the power of art. We’d love to have you here! Register for the next workshop "The Power of Message" on February 20, 2025, 4-6 pm: https://lnkd.in/gPezcCve

Meet Our Team: Anna Marley, TMA’s new Director of Curatorial Affairs! With over 15 years of experience and a deep passion for telling inclusive stories through art, Anna is ready to lead our curatorial team in reimagining the Toledo Museum of Art’s world-class collection. In this video, Anna shares insights into the transformative power of Henry Ossawa Tanner’s work and her vision for connecting art with our community. 🎥 Watch the video and celebrate this exciting new chapter at TMA!

TMA is proud to set a new standard for museums. Moving forward, parking at TMA will be free for all visitors, thanks to a generous gift from the Taylor Automotive Family in memory of the late Julie Taylor. For many museums, barriers like parking fees can deter potential visitors, making art less accessible. At TMA, we believe experiencing world-class art should be as easy and inclusive as possible. This milestone—paired with our free admission since TMA's opening in 1901—reinforces our commitment to reducing financial barriers and fostering deeper connections between art and community. Jennifer McCary, our Chief Culture and Brand Experience Officer, notes: “Free parking is one of the most requested amenities from visitors. By removing this cost, we’re staying true to the vision of our founders and creating even more opportunities for art to inspire, educate, and unite.” This step forward is part of a broader commitment to equity and inclusion in the arts, and we hope it inspires others in the field to explore innovative ways to enhance the visitor experience.

For over a century, the Great Gallery has stood as a testament to the enduring power of art and culture, housing iconic European masterpieces that continue to inspire awe and reflection. From its luminous skylight to its unparalleled collection, this space has become a cornerstone of the TMA experience, shaping meaningful connections across generations.

The Toledo Museum of Art is starting to ramp up efforts to fill our paid internships for the summer of 2025! If you are an actively enrolled college student in 2025 and have completed a minimum of two years of an undergraduate program, let’s talk! Internships range from art conservation to public relations to photography. For more information, check out the link: https://lnkd.in/gtbdAu2D

As we kick off 2025, TMA reflects on the transformative progress we've made together over the past few years. These achievements highlight our commitment to connecting people with art, building community, and fostering a culture of creativity and inclusion. We’re proud to share that visitation from neighborhoods closest to the museum has tripled, making up 17% of our audience. Our visitor demographics are now younger and more diverse, a testament to our efforts to ensure the museum reflects and engages the vibrant Toledo community. Expanding the narrative of art history remains central to our mission. Over the past few years, we’ve added nearly 1,000 new works to our collection, strengthened our curatorial team, and built global partnerships that bring fresh perspectives to our galleries. Our exhibitions, such as Ethiopia at the Crossroads, have earned international acclaim, showcasing our ability to lead on the world stage while remaining deeply rooted in Toledo. Equally important is our dedication to becoming an employer of choice. We’ve made significant strides in pay equity, expanded benefits like parental leave and childcare subsidies, and fostered a workplace culture focused on engagement and belonging. These efforts have led to meaningful growth and a team that’s more motivated than ever to deliver exceptional experiences for our visitors. Operationally, we’ve strengthened our foundation for the future by increasing our sustainability and investing in critical infrastructure upgrades, all while enhancing the visitor experience. Today, 98% of our guests report high satisfaction, with an overwhelming majority eager to return. As we enter this new year, we’re excited to continue building on these successes and working toward the launch of Transformation 2027. Together, we’re shaping the future of art, culture, and community in Toledo and beyond. Here’s to a groundbreaking year ahead!