About

WHO WE ARE

The Renaissance Society is at its core a space of possibility. For artists, we offer an unfettered platform for bold experimentation. Our work with artists frequently results in newly commissioned art, and these presentations in our gallery at the University of Chicago spur further scholarly and creative reflections in our publications and public programs. For visitors, we offer opportunities to engage deeply with art and artists who provide critical responses to our present moment. All exhibitions and events are free to attend.

Visitors to the Ren find a uniquely intimate platform for encountering artistic expressions that give form to, challenge, and complicate currents in contemporary thought. Events—including artist talks, lectures, screenings, concerts, readings, and more—offer further opportunities for discovery and discussion. We maintain robust archives, which can be accessed by all visitors, art historians, students, and other institutions by making an appointment.

HISTORY

The Renaissance Society was founded in 1915 by a group of University of Chicago faculty, and our name refers to their intention to create a space in which to foster engagement with new ideas in arts and culture.

In the early 20th century the Renaissance Society played a key role in bringing European and other avant-garde practices to Chicago through presentations of Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Fernand Léger, Mies Van Der Rohe, Käthe Kollwitz, and Joseph Cornell, among others.

Under the 40-year leadership of Susanne Ghez from 1973 to 2013, the Renaissance Society hosted the Chicago debuts of Bruce Nauman, Joseph Kosuth, and Jenny Holzer; and key solo exhibitions by Mike Kelley, Isa Genzken, Felix Gonzales-Torres, Kara Walker, Kerry James Marshall, Joan Jonas, and Danh Vō. From 2013 to 2020, the Ren redoubled its commitment to commissioning major projects by living artists, such as Mathias Poledna, Irena Haiduk, Peter Wächtler, and Jennifer Packer, among others, championed by former director Solveig Øvstebø.

Myriam Ben Salah, who was appointed the next Executive Director and Chief Curator in 2020, is leading multiple new commissions and debut exhibitions for a new generation of artists, expanding the Ren’s legacy of offering artists the time, space, resources, and freedom that are vital for ambitious experimentation and risk-taking.

The Renaissance Society is a financially independent nonprofit organization. As an independent affiliate of the University of Chicago, we are both a fully autonomous institution and a dedicated member of the campus community. The university’s financial grants and in-kind contributions constitute roughly 5% of our annual budget, and we fundraise the rest of our operational needs annually. To donate, please click here or call us at 773.702.8670.

The Renaissance Society is registered 501(c)(3). We are a member of Mod/Co, UChicago Arts, and we are an independent affiliate of the University of Chicago.