Designed for curious middle and high school students, art history summer programs offer a journey through the ages, turning museums, universities, and cultural hubs into your classroom. Imagine standing in awe before the iconic works of art at Sotheby’s or exploring the collections of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
You’re not simply memorizing dates and names in one of these art history summer programs or summer camps. These programs weave together art and history showing you how historical and societal events shaped different artistic movements. Instructors will guide you through critical periods in art history — from the ancient world’s antiquities to the masterpieces of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Enlightenment eras. Explore the birth of Impressionism or rise of Modernism to gain a deeper appreciation of the evolution of artistic styles and techniques.
You’ll learn about art appraisal and develop a critical eye for evaluating artistic merit and value. Explore the world of art criticism and learn to analyze and articulate your interpretation of art. Gain insights into the business of art and begin to understand the complex world of galleries, auctions, and the art market. Finally, discover the powerful relationship between art and politics, exploring how art can be a tool for social commentary and political expression.
When you enroll in an art history summer program, you’ll engage in interactive sessions and thought-provoking discussions and participate in hands-on workshops that invite you to put theory into practice. Many programs incorporate guest lectures from renowned curators, museum directors, and the artists themselves, to give you valuable insights from the forefront of the art world.
Choose from day programs that allow you to explore art while staying at home, or opt for residential options at a prestigious college or university, where you get a taste of pre-college art programs. Many programs offer travel opportunities abroad to Europe and Asia, allowing you to experience the cultural richness of these vibrant hubs firsthand.
Still looking? Check out our programs below and our latest Guide to Summer Programs and Your Future in the Arts publication, too.
