John Young Museum of Art

About this museum

Within the halls of Krauss Hall on the University of Hawaii campus, the John Young Museum of Art offers visitors an intimate encounter with artwork that bridges Eastern and Western traditions. This small but distinguished free museum in Honolulu is named for the late artist John Young, whose personal collection forms the foundation of its holdings.The gallery space is intentionally compact, allowing each piece to command attention. Visitors will discover ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects drawn from Asian, Pacific, and Western art traditions - a combination that reflects Hawaii's unique position as a cultural crossroads. The collection rewards close looking; delicate brushwork, ancient pottery forms, and sculptural details reveal themselves to patient observers. A beautiful courtyard adjacent to the museum provides a tranquil setting to pause and reflect between gallery visits.Art lovers visiting Honolulu should consider pairing a stop here with nearby campus galleries, including the UH Art Gallery and the East - West Center Gallery, for a full afternoon of free cultural exploration. Together, these spaces offer a survey of artistic expression that spans continents and centuries - all within walking distance of one another.The John Young Museum of Art is located at 2500 Dole St in Krauss Hall, Honolulu, HI 96822. It is open Tuesday through Friday and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Mondays and Saturdays. An accessible entrance is available. Visitors are encouraged to confirm hours on the museum's website at hawaii.edu/johnyoung - museum before arriving.For travelers and locals seeking free things to do in Honolulu beyond the beaches and tourist districts, this museum provides a calm, enriching alternative. It is a place where the art speaks quietly but leaves a lasting impression - one of Honolulu's most thoughtful free cultural offerings.