The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia came into being in 1997 through a gift by American businessman, John W. Kluge. Influenced by the Dreamings exhibition in New York, Mr. Kluge began collecting Aboriginal art in 1988. Over the next decade he compiled one of the finest private collections of Australian Aboriginal art in the world.

In 1993, Kluge purchased the collection and archives of the late Professor Edward L. Ruhe of Lawrence, Kansas. Ruhe began collecting Aboriginal art while visiting Australia as a Fulbright Scholar in 1965. He built a collection of the highest quality and exhibited it widely in the United States between 1965 and 1977. Ruhe’s research on Aboriginal art resulted in the publication of several exhibition catalogues and articles. His archives comprise the core of the Kluge-Ruhe Study Center.

As part of the University of Virginia, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection has undertaken a full program of rotating exhibits, public lectures, research on the collection, and education programs for children and adults. On grounds, works from the Kluge-Ruhe Collection can been seen on the third floor of Newcomb Hall and have been exhibited at UVA Art Museum and Newcomb Art Gallery.

The Kluge-Ruhe Collection reports to the Vice-Provost of the Arts, Beth Turner.

Mission statement

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia promotes learning about Australian Aboriginal art and culture through an integrated program of collection management, exhibition, education, research and publication. We are committed to building mutually beneficial partnerships with Aboriginal artists and communities to better represent their art and knowledge in each aspect of our program.