Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia — Attraction in Charlottesville

One of the best museums we have been too. We were drawn to this one based on it being the largest collection of Aboriginal art from Australia outside that country. We were not disappointed. Scheduled a tour online and when we arrived Jamison was ready for us. His in depth knowledge of individual pieces and artists in addition to his stories of the back stories of Aboriginal art creation was incredible. We lucked out finding this fantastic place and recommend it to anyone wanting a full immersion into this genre. In addition to art the museum also had an exhibit about the awful treatment, segregation and deprivation of civil and human rights of the Aboriginal in Australia. Not much different from the disgusting and shameful way the U.S. treated Native Americans, women and African Americans. Very informative. Go if you can and request Jamison...

Absolutely don't miss this hidden gem in Charlottesville. The only Aboriginal Art museum in the entire US, it's small but beautifully housed in a 1930s former home. The guided tour we received from Sara(h? sorry!) was very informative and her enthusiasm and passion for the art and, more importantly, the artists, was absolutely infectious. There is a wonderful library room with many books for all ages on Aboriginal art and Australia, and an extensive gift shop with lovely items in every price range. Importantly, we learned that no true ancient (or even very old) aboriginal art exists in museums because the vast majority of it historically was painted in situ, was done as ritualistic body painting, or were ephemeral works in nature. DO yourself a favor...

Free to the public , this wonderful museum is probably less noticed than it should be as I just happened to approach the grounds while sight seeing and asked two ladies pleasantly enjoying there afternoon talking in the shade of the grounds about the museum. They advised it was free to public and I should go inside. Inside the door a docent immediately rose to attention and began filling me with detailed information regarding the museums history and offerings. He directed me to comfortably walk thru at my own pace and enjoy the surroundings. The museum was both educational as well as a delightful display of the aboriginal art. The sponsors own the largest collection of...