Snite Museum
The Snite Museum of Art provides opportunities to enjoy, respond to, learn from, and be inspired by original works of art. As an integral unit of the University of Notre Dame, the Museum supports teaching and research; furthers faith-based initiatives for greater internal diversity and service to the external community; and reflects the traditions and values of the University.
As a traditional liberal arts university, the visual arts have a long history on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. In 1874 Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., hired Vatican artist Luigi Gregori to teach art and decorate the interiors of the Main Building and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
In 1875 the Bishops Gallery, featuring 60 portraits painted by Gregori, and a Museum of Indian Antiquities opened in the Main Building. The latter grew dramatically in 1899 by a large donation of Native American objects from Rev. Edward W.J. Lindesmith, a diocesan priest from Ohio. He collected them while serving at Fort Keogh, Montana, as the first Catholic chaplain ever commissioned in the US Army during peacetime.
Small donations of art were also contributed by priests and professors throughout the early history of the University.
In 1917 Rev. John Cavanaugh, C.S.C., then president of the University, acquired 136 paintings previously owned by the Braschi family of Rome.
Also in 1917 the construction of the University's new library, Bond Hall, was completed. The second floor contained four large galleries for displaying the University's art collection
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