A group of visitors sit on stools in a circle in a gallery filled with modern art

Programs

Public programs at the Gallery amplify many voices, perspectives, and approaches. They provide space for the exchange of ideas and connect multiple audiences around art and art practices. We collaborate across the museum, the University, and the community to empower the public to look closely and make connections by actively participating, listening to others, and asking questions. All programs are free and open to the public. Come join us—your voice is welcome!

A woman plays a trumpet in a red-walled gallery of American paintings and sculptures.

View Program Highlights

The Ancient Sculpture Hall, filled with visitors engaged in a sketching program. Studio Program, Sewing Circle with Marie Watt in lobby Outdoors, many people sit at a long table covered in bright pink fabric. The people are sewing smaller geometric shapes to the pink cloth. In a dark-walled gallery space, an audience sits around a standing woman facing a folded screen on a pedestal. The woman is speaking with her head turned to the audience while gesturing with a paintbrush in her right hand. A large group of seated musicians face a seated audience in the lobby. A man stands at a podium on a stage speaking to an audience. A large screen projects an image to the left of the podium that reads, “John Walsh Lecture Series/Lecture One. Matisse Up Close and All Around: Matisse Liberates Color” A group of seven people dressed in black wear black cut-out shapes on top of their heads and pose for a photo. The group stands in front of a white wall with bold black lines forming a grid-like pattern. One person holds a sign upside down that reads “Dada Ball”. Two people in conversation are seated in a gallery space facing an audience of people to the right, also in chairs. A life-sized metal sculpture resembling tree trunks stands to the left of the people. A group of six people stand together in a semi-circle in a gallery space with large paintings on the red walls. All group members sing while three hold musical instruments. A colorful, linear sculpture hangs in the foreground of the gallery space. Beyond the sculpture, some seated people draw the object while others stand and admire it. A large metallic object hangs on the wall behind the group.
  • The Ancient Sculpture Hall, filled with visitors engaged in a sketching program.
  • People in a lobby space sit at multiple tables engaged in individual sewing activities. In the foreground, a person looks at another who is smiling while sewing.
  • Outdoors, many people sit at a long table covered in bright pink fabric. The people are sewing smaller geometric shapes to the pink cloth.
  • In a dark-walled gallery space, an audience sits around a standing woman facing a folded screen on a pedestal. The woman is speaking with her head turned to the audience while gesturing with a paintbrush in her right hand.
  • A large group of seated musicians face a seated audience in the lobby.
  • A man stands at a podium on a stage speaking to an audience. A large screen projects an image to the left of the podium that reads, “John Walsh Lecture Series/Lecture One. Matisse Up Close and All Around: Matisse Liberates Color”
  • A group of seven people dressed in black wear black cut-out shapes on top of their heads and pose for a photo. The group stands in front of a white wall with bold black lines forming a grid-like pattern. One person holds a sign upside down that reads “Dada Ball”.
  • Two people in conversation are seated in a gallery space facing an audience of people to the right, also in chairs. A life-sized metal sculpture resembling tree trunks stands to the left of the people.
  • A group of six people stand together in a semi-circle in a gallery space with large paintings on the red walls. All group members sing while three hold musical instruments.
  • A colorful, linear sculpture hangs in the foreground of the gallery space. Beyond the sculpture, some seated people draw the object while others stand and admire it. A large metallic object hangs on the wall behind the group.

Upcoming Programs

A person stands and speaks next to an artwork that hangs on the wall. A few onlookers are seen from behind in the foreground.

Tours Highlights Tours

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
A group seated in a gallery with a sculpted head displayed on a pedestal in the background. They direct their attention to one person who appears to speak.

Tours Highlights Tours

Sunday, January 18, 2026, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
A person stands and speaks next to an artwork that hangs on the wall. A few onlookers are seen from behind in the foreground.

Tours Highlights Tours

Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
View all events

Watch Program Videos

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    Adults

    Whether you prefer interactive conversations in front of a single work of art, lectures and symposia exploring art and ideas, or lively and creative performances related to our collections, you’ll find a program of interest at the Gallery.

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    Youth and Families

    Come to the Gallery with your family and friends and explore art together! 

  • Gallery+

    An ongoing series that invites Yale students to respond to the Gallery’s collection through special programs and performances.

  • A man and three women standing around a table with a yellow patterned tablecloth enjoying food and drinks on a sunny, summer day in a park-like setting.

    Membership

    Sign up for membership and join fellow art lovers, students, alumni, and artists in discovering all that the Gallery has to offer.