The Re-Creation of the Frederick Hart Studio
Gain firsthand insight into the inspiration and creative process behind sculptor Frederick Hart’s (1943-1999) significant contribution to the changing tides of art in the last half of the twentieth century. The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is a tribute to Hart’s enduring influence in the movement to reinvest art with meaning and purpose.
Walk among artworks in various stages of development—nascent sketches in clay, preliminary models, and finished plasters. Puzzle over arrays of sculpting tools to imagine a sculptural masterwork emerging from the clay stored in a large metal drum. Peruse Hart’s books, photographs, and personal papers as they were on his desk in the office of the Virginia studio. Awaiting you is a unique experience of what some have described as a sacred space.
Among the works on view in the museum:
- Working model in plaster of Ex Nihilo. The full-size work, in Indiana limestone, Washington National Cathedral, Washington D.C.
- Clay and plaster maquettes for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Three Soldiers, full-size work completed in bronze, Washington D.C.
- Full-size plaster models for commissioned bronzes of President Jimmy Carter; Senator Richard Russell; James Webb, NASA administrator; and The Herald, Newington Cropsey Foundation and Cultural Studies Center.
- Full -size plaster model of Daughters of Odessa, bronze. An editioned work presented to HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, England.
- Prototypes for cast clear acrylic resin sculptures known for groundbreaking innovation in materials and sculptural concept.
On display in the atrium of the Lila D. Bunch Library
- Creation Sculptures, maquettes: Creation of Day, Ex Nihilo, Creation of Night, plaster.
- Christ Rising; Adam, maquette; Ex Nihilo: Fragments Nos 4,7,
Events
Plan Your Visit
The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is located on Belmont University's campus inside the Lila D. Bunch Library. Free parking is available on the street and in designated visitor lots.
Hours of Operation
The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm; the last ticket is sold at 4 pm.
On Sundays, it is open from 1 pm to 4:30 pm; the last ticket is sold at 4 pm.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
General Museum Admission
- Adults and Youth 13+: $5
- Youth 12 and under: FREE
- Belmont Students, Faculty and Staff: FREE with Belmont ID
Tickets may be purchased in advance. The museum accepts credit/debit card payments only.
The Frederick Hart Studio Museum is located on the campus of Belmont University inside the Lila D. Bunch Library. Free parking is available on the street and in designated visitor lots.
Directions
Take I-65 South; Exit onto I-440 West; Take Exit 3 onto 21st Avenue. Proceed and turn right on Portland Avenue. Turn left onto Belmont Boulevard (landmark is The Belmont Store). Lila D. Bunch Library is located on your left.
Take I-65 North; Exit onto I-440 West; Take Exit 3 onto 21st Avenue. Proceed and turn right on Portland Avenue. Turn left onto Belmont Boulevard (landmark is The Belmont Store). Lila D. Bunch Library is located on your left.
From I-40 East or I-24 East, Exit onto I-440 East; Take Exit 3 onto 21st Avenue. Head north (toward downtown Nashville) and turn right on Portland Avenue. Turn left onto Belmont Boulevard (landmark is The Belmont Store). Lila D. Bunch Library is located o
From I-40 West or I-24 West, Exit onto I-440 West; take Exit 3 onto 21st Avenue. Go north (toward downtown Nashville) and turn right onto Portland Avenue. Turn left onto Belmont Boulevard (landmark is The Belmont Store). Lila D. Bunch Library is located on your left.
When on campus, visit the following Frederick Hart sculptures.
The University Chapel, Janet Ayers Academic Center:
- Ex Nihilo Working Model, cast marble. This sculpture is the working model for the center tympanum of the Creation Sculptures for Washington National Cathedral, west façade, Washington D.C
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts:
- Exterior entrances.
- North, Ex Nihilo Fragments Nos. 3,6, bronze
- South, Ex Nihilo Fragments Nos. 1,2,5,8, bronze