After a three-year project to reimagine the Wellesley College Davis Museum and more than double the objects on view to around 600 (including three galleries of African art, most of which was previously relegated to storage), the Davis has officially re-opened its five floors to receive all comers. They welcome the art-viewing public just as the campus is whipping itself into a frenzy in order to properly welcome Dr. Paula Johnson, the school’s 14th president.
We’ve been regulars at the Davis for years, appreciating it as a local treasure where we can bring out-of-towners, the free admission, their patience with children, and the next-door Collins Cafe where we can get good soups, salads, and sandwiches after touring the galleries.
Here are a few of our favorite things at the museum:
![Laughing Fool, circa 1500, is attributed to Jacob Cornelisz van Oostanen. An all-time family favorite of ours, he used to hang alone at the top of a staircase, but he now hangs in a gallery with other works. The change makes sense, given his chosen profession of Fool. Our guy doesn't wear that red and yellow hooded suit with donkey ears because he's shy. The bells allow him to amp up the cacophony of foolishness should he feel apathy settling in among those he is entertaining.](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13030520/IMG_2903.jpg)
![Pollock, Wellesley Davis Museum](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13030515/IMG_2918.jpg)
![Wellesley Girls, Davis Museum](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13030518/IMG_2910.jpg)
![Loading was artist Tim Okamura's first painting to enter a museum collection. Like many of the works in the museum, it's been moved, but not for the better to my eye. The women used to appear larger than life and absolutely demanded attention in their previous spot. Now, on a stairway landing, they just don't grab me as forcefully.](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13030517/IMG_2912.jpg)
![Breuer chair, Wellesley Davis Museum](https://media.theswellesleyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/13030514/IMG_2926.jpg)
The Davis Museum is open Tue – Sun, 11am – 5pm.
Admission is free.
781.283.2051