This month, two new thought-provoking exhibitions are opening. The interactive exhibition Seeing in Art and Medicine (September 2–December 30, 2023) brings together objects that medical residents have studied as part of the museums’ medical humanities program, focusing on questions about human relationships, emotions, and beliefs. For a deeper look into the exhibition, take this workshop about the representation of skin color in art and medicine.

Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade (September 15, 2023–January 14, 2024) looks at the entwined histories of the opium trade and the Chinese art market between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. Make sure to check the calendar for a variety of engaging related programs, such as a lecture by curator Sarah Laursen and a roundtable discussion about the current opioid crisis in New England.

We look forward to seeing you there.

EXHIBITION

Seeing in Art and Medicine

Opening Saturday, September 2, Seeing in Art and Medicine invites visitors to view works from the collections along the themes of the Seeing in Art and Medical Imaging program, such as narrative, objectivity, embodiment, empathy, power, ambiguity, and care. Try your hand at close-looking activities in this interactive exhibition.

EXHIBITION

Objects of Addiction

Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade explores how the commodities of opium and Chinese art between the 18th and early 20th centuries had profound effects on the global economy, cultural landscape, and education—and in the case of opium, on public health and immigration—that still reverberate today.

LECTURE

Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade   

Join associate curator Sarah Laursen for a lecture on Thursday, September 14, about opium and Chinese art—two influential commodities traded in China, the British Empire, and Massachusetts between the 18th and early 20th centuries. Free admission, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

WORKSHOP

Healing through Art

Join us on Saturday, September 16 with drama therapists Ana Bess Moyer Bell and Amy Lazier of the artist collective 2nd Act for a workshop designed to challenge participants’ ideas about addiction through a drama therapy model. Registration opens Wednesday, September 6.

AT NIGHT

September At Night

Bring your friends (and maybe a sweater!) for Harvard Art Museums at Night on Thursday, September 28 for a free evening of art, fun, food, and more! Each night features a new mix of local talent and community partners to make this a festive occasion for all.

TOUR

Art in Focus

Want to learn more about the works on view in our galleries? Spotlight Tours, such as this one led by Emily Feng, offer a chance to explore the collections of the Harvard Art Museums through the eyes of a Harvard student. Free and open to the public, these tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 2pm.

CLASS

Pathways to Citizenship

Aspiring U.S. citizens! The Harvard Art Museums, in partnership with the St. Mark Community Education Program, are pleased to offer a free 10-week course to prepare for the citizenship exam through art starting on Saturday, September 16.

GALLERY TALK

Looking with Empathy

Join us for a gallery talk about works of art in Seeing in Art and Medicine, with curator Jen Thum. You will gain insights about the museums’ medical humanities program—on which the exhibition is based—and what can be gleaned through close looking.