Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - Norman, Oklahoma

A Heritage of Art & Education

The roots of this museum go back to the 1920s, when Oscar B. Jacobson, a passionate art professor, began building a collection with the aim of enriching student life through original artworks. The official museum was founded in 1936 after generous Asian art donations from Lew Wentz and Gordon Matzene. Then, in 1971, a fundraising gift from Fred Jones Sr. and his wife funded a striking new building, dedicated to their son Fred Jr., who tragically died in a plane crash during his senior year at OU.

Two major expansions followed: the Mary and Howard Lester Wing in 2005, designed by Hugh Jacobsen, added nearly 34,000 sq ft, and the Stuart Wing in 2011 introduced another 18,000 sq ft to showcase growing collections .

History & Architecture

The museum’s roots trace back to 1936 under art professor Oscar B. Jacobson, who curated the initial collection to enhance student learning through direct engagement with original works. In 1971, the Jones family funded a new building in memory of their son, expanding exhibition space dramatically.

Major expansions include the Mary and Howard Lester Wing (2005), designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen—a series of pavilion-style galleries united by glazed corridors, constructed with Vermont slate, Texas limestone, bronze, and glass, bathing spaces in natural light. A further 18,000‑sq‑ft Stuart Wing, by Rand Elliott, was added in 2011, bringing total exhibition capacity to roughly 40,000 sq ft.

Permanent Collection Highlights

The museum’s permanent collection spans over 20,000 works, with standout ensembles including:

• Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism—featuring masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Pissarro, and others—one of the most significant gifts to an American public university.

• Native American and Southwestern art, through the Fleischaker, Thams, Adkins, and Bialac collections—encompassing ceramics, jewelry, paintings, kachinas, and notable regional talent.

• Asian art and 16th-century graphics, Eastern Orthodox icons, photography, contemporary art, and ceramics, reflecting an impressive cross-cultural sweep.

Sculpture Garden & Rotating Exhibits

The museum extends outdoors through a serene sculpture garden, displaying significant pieces such as Fernando Botero’s sphinx and Barbara Hepworth’s “Two Figures”—creating a meditative complement to the galleries .
Inside, the ever-changing special exhibits explore diverse art forms—from Pueblo painting to regional pottery—adding fresh narratives to each visit.

Education, Events & Community Engagement

Education is central to the museum’s mission: it offers workshops, lectures, gallery tours, family-friendly scavenger hunts, and film screenings, nurturing engagement across all age groups and communities .
Partnerships with local schools and inclusion efforts such as Museums for All ensure access for underserved audiences.

Why Visit?

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is more than a gallery—it’s a place of discovery, reflection, and vibrant learning. With its stunning architecture, world-class collections that include everything from Impressionist treasures to indigenous art, and dynamic public programs, it’s an ideal destination for families, scholars, students, and travelers alike. Whether you're drawn by brushstrokes of Monet or stories embedded in regional art, every visit promises fresh insights and creative inspiration.