Art Review: Oberlin’s Allen Memorial Art Museum Projects Grandeur

While I was driving from Cleveland to Toledo a few weeks ago, I saw a sign on the highway telling me the next exit led to Oberlin. Oberlin, home to what’s known as the crazy Trot college, which was once merely eccentric. Oberlin, with a renowned music conservatory. Oberlin, home of Gibson’s Bakery, a family-run stalwart on Main Street. Oberlin, where a race melee targeting Gibson’s and faked by college brass cost the school $36 million, plus attorney fees in the millions. Oberlin, home of the distinguished, esteemed Allen Memorial Art Museum. It’s the college museum. I had never been but knew it would be a treat.

I had thought Oberlin College was near Columbus. I had to go. The Allen’s a gem, with a solid educational mission and a fine collection in a lovely Tuscan Renaissance-style building from 1917.

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Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

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While I was driving from Cleveland to Toledo a few weeks ago, I saw a sign on the highway telling me the next exit led to Oberlin. Oberlin, home to what’s known as the crazy Trot college, which was once merely eccentric. Oberlin, with a renowned music conservatory. Oberlin, home of Gibson’s Bakery, a family-run stalwart on Main Street. Oberlin, where a race melee targeting Gibson’s and faked by college brass cost the school $36 million, plus attorney fees in the millions. Oberlin, home of the distinguished, esteemed Allen Memorial Art Museum. It’s the college museum. I had never been but knew it would be a treat.

I had thought Oberlin College was near Columbus. I had to go. The Allen’s a gem, with a solid educational mission and a fine collection in a lovely Tuscan Renaissance-style building from 1917.