UMMA Opens We Hold These Truths Art Exhibition

The new exhibition by artist-in-residence Holly Bass explores the evolution of American history across three distinct centuries.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fine Art

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a Victorian chair, a 1970s rotary telephone, and a geometric sculpture, representing the evolution of American historical eras. — The University of Michigan Museum of Art has debuted 'We Hold These Truths,' an immersive exhibition by artist Holly Bass exploring American history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The University of Michigan Museum of Art has launched the exhibition We Hold These Truths, featuring work by artist-in-residence Holly Bass. The exhibit examines American history through immersive displays representing the years 1876, 1976, and 2026.

Why it matters

The exhibition aims to foster dialogue regarding political divides and the shifting nature of patriotism throughout American history. By contrasting different eras, the project encourages visitors to consider the country's trajectory over 150 years.

Alumni Memorial Hall underwent an 8-month closure for a major renovation, during which historic flooring was replaced with marble to prepare for the exhibition.

The players

Holly Bass

She serves as the 2025-2026 Roman J. Witt Resident artist-in-residence and Towsley policymaker in residence at the university.

University of Michigan Museum of Art

This institution serves as a prominent cultural center in Ann Arbor that hosts major academic and artistic exhibitions.

The details

The exhibition features detailed recreations of an 1876 parlor and a 1976 living room, alongside interactive elements such as a desk for practicing Spencerian handwriting. Window displays throughout the space use audio and imagery to highlight the diverse narratives of American communities.

The 1876 parlor setting represents a historical period of focus.
The 1976 living room setting reflects a mid-century period of the exhibit.
Holly Bass hosted an interactive art-making event on October 10, 2026.
The year 2026 serves as the final anniversary marker explored in the collection.

Industry Dynamics

The exhibition follows a pattern set by the University of Michigan's Roman J. Witt Residency by integrating artistic creation with academic inquiry. This approach positions the museum as a site for deep civic reflection rather than just a traditional gallery space.

Visitors to the University of Michigan Museum of Art can now experience the newly renovated Alumni Memorial Hall space. The exhibition invites public participation through interactive historical displays that offer a tactile way to engage with the themes.

The takeaway

The project challenges visitors to reflect on how domestic environments have changed across the last century and a half. Attendees are encouraged to compare these past settings with their own experiences of contemporary American life.