Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Explore 5,000 years of global art at UMFA, a diverse collection in a stunning university setting with free admission days.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Free admission days!
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Best Time
Free admission days!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 5,000 years of global art at UMFA, a diverse collection in a stunning university setting with free admission days.
"A beautifully curated museum in a breathtaking location—well worth a visit."
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the 1st Wed or 3rd Sat for free entry! Family art activities on 3rd Sats. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The museum is well-arranged, making it easy to explore diverse exhibits. [^Review] :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Global Art Collection
Various Galleries
Explore art spanning 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to contemporary pieces.
Interactive Installations
Contemporary Galleries
Experience engaging modern art, including unique candy-wrapped exhibits. [^Review]
Southwest Landscapes
American Art Collection
Admire captivating paintings of the Southwest's natural beauty. [^Review]
Himalayan Exhibit
Himalayan Gallery
Discover the rich cultural heritage and art of the Himalayas. [^Review]
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days
Time Commitment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the 1st Wed or 3rd Sat for free entry! Family art activities on 3rd Sats.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The museum is well-arranged, making it easy to explore diverse exhibits. [^Review] :walking:
📱 Enhance Your Visit
Use QR codes for extra info on artworks. [^Review] :iphone:
☕ Coffee Break
Enjoy a coffee and chat at the on-site cafe with indoor/outdoor seating. [^Review] :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the 1st Wed or 3rd Sat for free entry! Family art activities on 3rd Sats.
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The museum is well-arranged, making it easy to explore diverse exhibits. [^Review] :walking:
📱 Enhance Your Visit
Use QR codes for extra info on artworks. [^Review] :iphone:
☕ Coffee Break
Enjoy a coffee and chat at the on-site cafe with indoor/outdoor seating. [^Review] :coffee:
🎓 Student Perks
University of Utah students get in FREE with their UCard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for its beautifully curated and diverse collection, spanning 5,000 years of global art. The engaging contemporary pieces, stunning mountain views from the galleries, and helpful staff are frequently highlighted. Some note that while the collection is varied, it's relatively compact, making it a manageable visit for a few hours.
"We were looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon, and this was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. The space was lively yet thoughtful, with families introducing children to art in an engaging way.
As a big fan of Monet, I was happy to see pieces inspired by his work, capturing that soft, pastel, atmospheric beauty he was known for. The contemporary pieces also stood out, especially the interactive candy-wrapped installation—taking a piece was a unique and exciting experience. The American art collection was fascinating, with detailed descriptions providing insight into the dates, techniques, and materials used.
The museum does a great job of enhancing the experience with QR codes on the walls, linking visitors to additional information about the pieces as they walk through. The setting itself is stunning—beautiful rooms with high ceilings and large windows offering views of the mountains surrounding the university. The diverse exhibits, including Egyptian, Pacific Asian, and Himalayan sections, were thoughtfully arranged, making the space easy to navigate.
To top it all off, there’s even a small coffee shop area with tables inside and out, perfect for continuing the conversation about the exhibits with friends or loved ones. I can easily see this as a great date option for an afternoon—relaxed, engaging, and with plenty to talk about.
Overall, a beautifully curated museum in a breathtaking location—well worth a visit."
Kimo Kahookele
"if you had asked me earlier this morning "wanna spend three and a half hours in an art museum?" i would've probably said "umm not particularly".
well i did, and that was the best three and a half hours ever. i loved the learning about the himalayan exhibit and was excited to see it but the permanent collection was also amazing. the gift shop was so nice and had a lot of great items and the prices were not to bad. the cafe was also really good. the apple brie baguette was thee greatest sandwich on this planet. like not even kidding. i also got a iced oat milk latte with cinnamon and sugar in the raw and it was the best.
the employees throughout the whole building were so kind and helpful i will 100% be back again and again and again."
luke lamoreaux
"Beautiful, calm, open space. A lovely and varried collection, if somewhat small. The entire gallery can be walked and examined in a few hours."
Ross Lang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is located at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. It's accessible by public transit, and you can even walk down from the Natural History Museum.
Parking is available on the University of Utah campus. Check campus parking regulations for specific details and any associated fees.
Yes, it's about a 30-minute walk from the Natural History Museum, making it easy to combine visits. [^Review]
The museum is on the University of Utah campus, which is well-served by public transportation. Check local transit schedules for routes and stops closest to the museum.
As a modern museum on a university campus, UMFA is generally expected to be wheelchair accessible. It's always a good idea to confirm directly with the museum for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
UMFA is typically open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Wednesdays. They are usually closed on Mondays and holidays.
General admission is usually free for University of Utah students with a UCard.
While general admission might have a fee for non-students, you can visit for free on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month.
For free admission days or regular visits, it's advisable to check the UMFA website for any reservation requirements, especially during peak times or special events.
University of Utah students get free admission with their UCard.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
UMFA boasts a diverse collection spanning 5,000 years of global art, including Egyptian artifacts, Pacific Asian art, Himalayan art, American paintings, and contemporary pieces.
Most visitors find that a few hours is sufficient to explore the museum's collections. [^Review]
Yes, the museum features contemporary pieces, including interactive installations like the unique candy-wrapped exhibit. [^Review]
While art lovers will appreciate the diverse collection, the museum is engaging. If you're not a big art person, you might also enjoy the nearby Natural History Museum.
Highlights include the global art spanning 5,000 years, the American art collection with Southwest landscapes, and the engaging Himalayan exhibit. [^Review]
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, UMFA has a small coffee shop area with tables both inside and outside, perfect for a break. [^Review]
The cafe offers coffee and light fare. One reviewer raved about the apple brie baguette and an iced oat milk latte. [^Review]
Typically, museums discourage outside food and drinks in gallery areas. It's best to consume any personal food or beverages in designated areas, like the cafe seating. [^Review]
Being on the University of Utah campus, there are various dining options available within the university area. [^Review]
The cafe's relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating makes it a pleasant spot to continue conversations after exploring the exhibits. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Always check for specific signage in each gallery. [^Review]
Flash photography is typically not permitted. Some special exhibitions may also have photography restrictions. [^Review]
The museum's architecture, high ceilings, large windows with mountain views, and the diverse artworks themselves offer many beautiful photo opportunities. [^Review]
Yes, phone cameras are generally permitted for personal use, as long as flash is turned off and you are not disrupting other visitors. [^Review]
The interactive candy-wrapped installation and the striking Southwest landscapes are often highlighted as visually appealing for photography. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The diverse collections, from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, can spark curiosity in young minds. Parents will appreciate the museum's thoughtful layout, which makes it easy to navigate with children. The availability of QR codes for additional information can also be a great tool for engaging older kids in learning about the artworks. [^Review] Consider visiting during weekday afternoons for a less crowded experience, allowing children more space to explore and enjoy the exhibits. [^Review]
💰 Budget Travelers
University of Utah students also enjoy free entry with their UCard. Combine your visit with a walk from nearby attractions like the Natural History Museum to save on transportation costs. [^Review] The museum's manageable size means you can experience a rich cultural outing without a hefty price tag, and the on-site cafe offers a more affordable option for a quick bite or coffee compared to external restaurants. [^Review]
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
[^Review] The museum's beautiful architecture and mountain views add a romantic ambiance. [^Review]After your art exploration, unwind at the on-site coffee shop, enjoying a beverage and discussing your favorite pieces. [^Review] The museum's calm atmosphere and engaging exhibits make it an ideal spot for a thoughtful and memorable date experience. [^Review]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Collections
Beyond its international scope, UMFA also boasts significant collections of American paintings, with a particular focus on captivating landscapes of the Southwest. The contemporary art section is equally compelling, often featuring thought-provoking and interactive installations that engage visitors in new ways. [^Review] The thoughtful arrangement of these diverse exhibits makes the museum easy to navigate, allowing visitors to appreciate the breadth of artistic expression. [^Review]
For those looking to deepen their understanding, the museum enhances the visitor experience with QR codes placed near artworks. These codes link to additional information, providing context on the dates, techniques, and materials used, enriching the appreciation of each piece. [^Review]
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips & Tricks
The third Saturdays are particularly family-friendly, often including free art-making activities. While the museum is manageable within a few hours, consider its location on the University of Utah campus. This proximity allows for easy combination with other campus attractions, such as the Natural History Museum, which might appeal to those who aren't deeply immersed in art.
Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your visit with the museum's amenities. There's a small coffee shop offering refreshments and a pleasant spot to discuss the art, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. [^Review] For students, a UCard grants free admission, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for university attendees.
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