History of Art and Architecture

History of Art and Architecture

The Department of the History of Art and Architecture (HIAA) at Brown University is committed to the ongoing study of art, architecture, and material culture.

Courses and research in the Department of History of Art and Architecture are grounded in the humanities, and intersect with study in visual art, global cultures, science and technology studies and the built environment. Our nationally renowned faculty scholars span diverse areas of study, and help to train students to become conversant in visual, historical and critical analysis across visual cultures, historical periods and geographic regions. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers as scholars, educators, arts administrators, intellectual property lawyers and museum curators among other rewarding professions in art and culture. 

Academic Pathways

The architecture concentration places greater emphasis on technical training, and allows students to develop a broad understanding of the concepts and methods for the planning and design of buildings, landscapes and cities.
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The History of Art and Architecture concentration trains students in the techniques of close-looking, visual description and interpretation, and critical analysis that are necessary to locate the work of art in history.
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Brown's Ph.D. program in the History of Art and Architecture offers professional training in the history of art and architecture and, more broadly, in the history of visual and material culture and the built environment.

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year is open. Completed applications are due by January 2nd, 2025.
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Recent News

What is the future of the history and art of the distant past? For decades, art and architectural historians have discussed declining interest in the study of topics prior to the modern era and the growing emphasis among emerging scholars and in current undergraduate curricula on modern and contemporary art.
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Contact Us

Mailing Address

Brown University
Box 1855
64 College Street
Providence, RI 02912

Information for HIAA Faculty and grad students

Phone

401-863-1174

Fax

401-863-7790