From Monet to Van Gough to Whistler and Sugimoto, the Detroit Institute of Arts sure knows how to name drop.

The DIA family will grow in size on Jan. 12 as the opening of a new gallery will showcase the museum's latest acquisitions and offer a transparent look at how these pieces found their new home.



DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons selected works that have been recently purchased or gifted to the museum. The new gallery, called “Out of the Crate: New Gifts & Purchases,” will feature these works and remain on view for about six months which will then be replaced with newer acquisitions.

“The DIA has one of the most significant art collections in the United States, and one way we maintain this quality is by acquiring new artworks every year,” Salort-Pons said in a press release. “Thanks to generous donors, the DIA has been able to establish funds designated for art acquisitions only, with which we are able to strengthen our collection."

The gallery will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous authentication process to ensure quality and historical accuracy. From research to approval by the board of directors, and the many experts (curators, conservators, and technicians) that play a role in the acquisition procedures.

The seven artworks featured in the first installation include:

-“Maternity Figure (Obaa Hemaa),” 19th century, Unknown artist, Akan (Asante), African, wood with pigment. Museum purchase
-“Untitled (Room 11 [-1999],” edition 1/15, 1999, Cristina Iglesias, ink on copper plate. Gift of Janis and William M. Wetsman
-“Saint Benedict of Palermo,” 1770–80, attributed to Juan Pascual de Mena, coniferous wood, pigment, gold. Museum purchase
-“Salute Dawn,” 1879, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, etching with drypoint. Museum purchase
-“Fox, Michigan,” 1980, Hiroshi Sugimoto, gelatin silver print. Museum purchase
-“Vase,” ca. 1900, Lajos Mack, slip-cast ceramic with eosin glazes. Gift of Dr. Theodore and Diana Golden
-“There must be some kind of way outta here,” 2016, Cornelia Parker, mixed media. Museum purchase