Aden Kumler, professor of art history in the Department of Arts, Media, Philosophy at Universität Basel and director of eikones, Center for the Theory and History of the Image, will present the 75th A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts every Sunday from May 3 to 24, 2026. 

What can photographs tell us about violence, mourning, advocacy, and inequity? Jennifer Raab, professor of history of art at Yale University, will present this year's Wyeth Lecture in American Art.

Join us for a presentation and discussion in honor of the publication of Academies of Art in Europe and the Americas, 1600–1900.

Emanuele Lugli, associate professor in the department of art & art history at Stanford University, will deliver the 29th Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art (rescheduled from November 16).

Since 1971 the Center has partnered with the department of art history and archaeology at the University of Maryland to present this annual symposium. The event brings together museum and academic communities and provides a platform for the latest research from graduate students in our region.

Join us in person or online for our research talks by Center professors and senior fellows in residence from September to May. Presentations will begin at 2:00 p.m. on select Thursdays in the West Building Lecture Hall.

Contributing authors Lisa Gail Collins and Glexis Novoa will be in discussion with Kaira M. Cabañas, series editor and associate dean for academic programs and publications, at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, DC.

This virtual panel explores the concept of accessibility in urban infrastructure and design. Panelists will discuss urban accessibility as a critical component of city life that impacts overall mobility and public transport. Panelists include Stephen Marr, Blessing Mary Ocheido, Mathias Agbo Jr., and Joan Razafimaharo, with moderation by Adedoyin Teriba.

Evelyn Lincoln is professor emerita of history of art and architecture and Italian studies at Brown University as well as the Center’s Kress-Beinecke Professor. Following Evie’s talk will be our opening year reception.

A 300-year history of influential artist training academies in more than a dozen countries

Essays, personal meditations, and images that explore water in all its renewing, destructive, corrosive, and connecting power.

The first volume in the new series Art & signals a bold vision for a more dynamic study of art.

Record of Activities and Research Reports, June 2024–May 2025

This academic year, some 30 fellows were in residence and another 12 fellows were remote, conducting research and writing in the United States and beyond, supporting a breadth of groundbreaking scholarship that furthers—and challenges—our knowledge of the visual arts.

Ten leading scholars broaden our understandings of modernism by centering Black artists and experiences with beautifully illustrated essays.

A leading art historian presents a new grammar for understanding the meaning and significance of print.

A vivid historical imagining of life in the early United States.

Based in Greece, Puerto Rico, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, these visiting senior fellows will join the Center for two-month appointments from March to August 2026.

We’re currently accepting applications for our visiting senior fellowship program. Applications are due on March 21, 2026.

We’re accepting applications for our senior, visiting senior, and postdoctoral fellowships. Learn more about requirements, deadlines, and how to submit your application.

We’ve announced this year’s 34 appointments for the academic year.

Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art presented by Emanuele Lugli (2026)

The A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts presented by Mabel O. Wilson (2025)

Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art presented by Keith Sciberras (2024)

Wyeth Lecture in American Art presented by Roberto Tejada (2023)

The A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts presented by Anna Deavere Smith (2024)

Aruna D’Souza (2022 Edmond J. Safra Visiting Professor) discusses works in the National Gallery’s collection that, to her, hold a promise for a better future.

Aruna D’Souza (2022 Edmond J. Safra Visiting Professor) discusses works in the National Gallery’s collection that, to her, hold a promise for a better future.

Aruna D’Souza (2022 Edmond J. Safra Visiting Professor) discusses works in the National Gallery’s collection that, to her, hold a promise for a better future.

Aruna D’Souza (2022 Edmond J. Safra Visiting Professor) discusses works in the National Gallery’s collection that, to her, hold a promise for a better future.