BYU’s Museum of Art to Open “Sacred Gifts” Art Exhibit
Contributed By By Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
Heinrich Hofmann’s “Christ and the Rich Young Ruler,” 1888.
Article Highlights
- Opening November 15, 2013, BYU’s Museum of Art will feature the religious art of 19th-century masters Carl Bloch, Heinrich Hofmann, and Frans Schwartz.
- The upcoming exhibition titled “Sacred Gifts” will explore and celebrate the many precious gifts of the Savior.
- It is hoped that the exhibition will help enrich patrons’ Thanksgiving and Christmas season experiences. The exhibition will run through May 10, 2014.
PROVO, UTAH
Two years ago, a historic exhibit at BYU’s Museum of Art featuring the majestic Christ-themed altar pieces by the late Danish master Carl Bloch inspired tens of thousands of visitors.
Bloch will soon be making a return of sorts to the Church-owned campus—and he’s bringing along a couple of friends.
The museum recently announced plans to open another major religious exhibit that will feature the work of Carl Bloch, along with those of his fellow 19th-century masters Heinrich Hofmann and Frans Schwartz.
Entitled “Sacred Gifts,” the upcoming exhibition will explore and celebrate “the many precious gifts” of the Savior, according to the museum curators.
Each of the paintings to be featured in “Sacred Gifts” captures a moment from the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ. Exhibit organizers hope viewers will respond to the divine invitation offered in each work—an invitation to be partakers of the Savior’s sacred offerings and gifts.
Many of the paintings will be familiar to Latter-day Saints as inspired images that represent Christ’s gifts to every man, woman and child—including the gifts of eternal life through the Atonement.
“Sacred Gifts” will open November 15. It is hoped that patrons will include the exhibition in their holiday activities to enrich their Thanksgiving and Christmas season experience. The display will run through May 10, 2014.
Attendance at the exhibition is anticipated to reach the numbers recorded at the popular Carl Bloch altarpiece exhibit. In an effort to manage crowds and allow patrons a measure of quiet reflection, the museum will be able to accommodate a limited number of visitors.
It is recommended that individuals, families and groups plan ahead and make early ticket reservations. Online general reservations for the free exhibition can be made on the museum website—moa.byu.edu—beginning in October.
Curators are also asking for volunteers to assist during the public exhibition of “Sacred Gifts.” Call the museum at (801) 422-8258 for more information.
