DePaul University in Chicago is set to close its campus art museum, the DePaul Art Museum (DPAM), on June 30, due to a major budget deficit projected for 2026. This decision was announced by the university’s president, Robert L. Manuel, in a letter to students and staff last week. The closure has sparked backlash from faculty and staff, with over 2,000 community members signing an open letter penned by art history and philosophy faculty members criticizing the decision as shortsighted and wrong-headed.
The museum, which was founded in 1985 and moved to its current location in 2011, has been a vital part of the university’s cultural and educational landscape. It has focused on maintaining an inclusive and diverse art space, showcasing underrepresented Chicago artists and addressing global political issues. Despite its significant contributions, the university cited financial challenges as the reason for the closure, following recent layoffs and budget cuts.
Laura-Caroline de Lara, the museum’s director, expressed deep disappointment at the impending closure, describing it as a devastating loss for the campus, Chicago, and its staff and student workers. She emphasized the museum’s unique ability to address social justice issues and engage with current events in ways that larger institutions cannot. The museum, which is free and open to the public, has played a crucial role in bridging Chicago’s history with global political struggles.
The closure of DPAM also raises concerns about the fate of its 4,000-item collection. While the university has stated that it will not sell the museum’s building, the future of the collection remains uncertain. The museum’s exhibitions have been known for their bold and thought-provoking themes, such as linking Chicago’s history to human rights violations at Guantánamo Bay and exploring the revolutionary history of the Young Lords.
Students like Jessica Saunders, who is studying advertising and museum studies at DePaul, have expressed disappointment at the closure. Saunders, who was drawn to the university because of the museum, highlighted the invaluable experiential learning opportunities it provided. The museum also employed student workers interested in pursuing careers in the museum field, further enriching their educational experience.
Despite the outcry from faculty, staff, and students, the university has declined to comment further on the closure. The final two exhibitions at DPAM, Barbara Nessim: My Compass Is the Line and Alice Tippit: Rose Obsolete, are set to open on March 5 and run through June 21. The closure of DPAM underscores broader concerns about the erosion of academic culture in the United States and the importance of preserving arts education in higher education institutions.
