The overarching program reimagines the de Saisset as a Museum in Progress that responds to changing ideas, contexts, and challenges that shape our world. This spirit of openness, together with an unbridled curiosity, is reflected in the opening of the museum’s Auditorium, which in addition to functioning as a community and campus event space will include a communal reading area, site for exhibiting our permanent collection, faculty-driven exhibitions, and a venue for “Flat File” shows. The reinvention of the de Saisset as a Museum in Progress is reflected in the exhibition program comprising a cycle of contemporary exhibitions, an encyclopedic collection, the permanent exhibition California Stories, and a Project Room (read more about each below). While each has a unique identity and function, the four strands are interconnected and considered holistically through an interdisciplinary and transtemporal lens. (See working draft of revised mission at end of the document).
These exhibitions support artists with research-based and interdisciplinary practices that while formally and conceptually rigorous provide a critical and compelling lens through which to examine pressing concerns. Engaged in socially oriented themes, these artists privilege the experiential through visually exciting and provocative projects that challenge accepted norms while promoting pleasure and wonderment.
Current Exhibitions
Our exhibitions rotate regularly and new shows open almost quarterly. Check out our list of current exhibitions to find out what's on view.
Future Exhibitions
Planning a future visit? Take a look at our list of future exhibitions to find something to look forward to.
Past Exhibitions
Curious about what we've shown in the past? The past exhibitions listing is the place to go. If you don't find what you need, you can always contact the museum for more information.
Exhibition Proposals
The de Saisset accepts exhibition proposals. Please take a look at our submission guidelines before submitting your proposal. Currently, we review submissions during the summer months.
Publications
The de Saisset Museum periodically develops publications in conjunction with exhibitions. Publications range from tri-fold pamphlets to book-size catalogues. To make a purchase, contact the museum by email (desaissetmuseum@scu.edu) or phone 408.554.4528.
Flat File exhibitions will feature items from the permanent collection and archival materials that relate conceptually and thematically to current exhibitions. The Flat Files function as a site for understanding how the history of objects—their forms and materials—can reveal the interconnectedness of labor, class, gender, and race across time and space.
Supporting artists in Silicon Valley, The Project Room highlights the work of marginalized artists—women, non-binary identifying, BIPOC artists and those discriminated against due to their age—whose work privileges experimental practices that are formally and conceptually rich. Proximate to the permanent exhibition, The Project Room provides artists opportunities to critically dialogue with California Stories.