It is a learning resource for the region and supports the teaching curriculum of Willamette University. The collection contains works from the ancient Mediterranean and Egypt, paintings and decorative arts from Asia, paintings and prints from 18th- and 19th-century Europe and America, with a particular focus on historic and contemporary regional artwork from the Northwest and traditional Native American baskets.
A significant number of works from our collection are on permanent view at the museum. Objects from the ancient world, Christian themed works, and Asian, European and American art can be viewed in the Mark and Janeth Sponenburgh Gallery. Contemporary and Modernist artwork by prominent Northwest artists is displayed in the Carl Hall Gallery. Traditional art and contemporary fine art by Native American artists with ties to the Northwest can be seen in the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Gallery and works on paper are shown in temporary exhibitions in the Print Study Center.
