The Martin D’Arcy Museum of Art
by Tenecia L. CasseyThe Martin D’Arcy Museum of Art is Loyola University Chicago’s museum of Baroque, Renaissance and medieval art.
The Rev. Donald Rowe, a Jesuit priest, founded the museum in 1969, naming it after religious scholar the Rev. Martin D’Arcy.
D’Arcy began his art collection with only two pieces of artwork. However, Rowe’s vision to display Baroque and religious art to the public has allowed the D’Arcy museum collection to expand to more than 500 pieces, including paintings, sculptures and textile artwork.
One of the more famous pieces of artwork at the D’Arcy is "Scenes from the Legend of David and Goliath." This elegant Italian Renaissance desco da parto, or birth tray, celebrated a new life. The tray was used to bring sweetmeats and other nourishment to a new mother. Following the celebration of birth, the tray would hang in the family home as a memorial.
Another remarkable piece in D’Arcy collection is the "Collector's Chest," by German artist Wenzel Jamnitzer, a famous goldsmith of the 16th century. The chest looks like a temple. It is decorated with Olympian gods, pilasters and urns, and features an elaborate system of hidden drawers.
Sally Metzler is the director of the D’Arcy Museum. She and her staff preserve the museum’s mission to serve not only Loyola’s population but also the entire community. The museum encourages students, teachers, staff and the community to view and study their art.
"The whole community of Loyola, we strive to serve them best and first, but we’re open to everyone and we offer free admission. Anyone can come from anywhere and just walk in and enjoy the artwork," Metzler said.
Chicago is home to a variety of museums and cultural institutions. However, what sets the D’Arcy apart from other Chicago museums is its collection.
"The D’Arcy’s niche is collecting medieval, renaissance and baroque art. In a sense that some people call it old master art. [...] We strive to have the best collection of the highest order in those styles and epochs of Europe. No one else does that. There is no other museum like us in that sense," Metzler said.
"We also have this wonderful intimate environment. [...] It’s not hectic. We play period music in the background, which is also something unique," Metzler said. "It’s a beautiful location, right on Lake Michigan. It’s just a warm and inviting place that myself and my staff strive to make it that way for everyone," Metzler said.
The Martin D’Arcy Museum of Art is nestled in the back of Loyola’s Cudahy Library at Loyola University Chicago’s Lake Shore Campus, 6525 N. Sheridan Road. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m. when classes are in session. From May 15 to August 27, the museum is open only on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the D’Arcy, call the museum at (773) 508-2679 or visit their website.
PHOTOS:
The entranceway to the Martin D'Arcy Museum.
A medieval painting of the Nativity.
A room of sculptures at the museum.
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