Founded in 1946, UMMA is considered one of the most important university art museums in the country. Its collections of some 18,000 works of art in the Western, Asian, and African traditions include works by most of the great masters and represent the key schools and movements in these cultures. Its collections of works by Whistler and Picasso, and of Chinese paintings, Japanese prints, Korean ceramics, and Congolese sculpture are among the finest in North America. In June 2006, the Museum of Art’s historic home—Alumni Memorial Hall—closed to the public in order to prepare for a $35.4 million restoration and expansion. Through 2008 the Museum will operate a temporary exhibition space called UMMA Off/Site. Located immediately adjacent to the University’s central campus at the corner of South University and South Forest (please see map), this lively loft gallery will present exhibitions devoted to photography, film, and video, as well as housing a modest Museum shop and offering public programs including tours and special events.