Learning “through the Prism of Art”: Engaging Gen Z Students with University Art Museums

University art museums contribute in meaningful ways to students’ educational experiences. However, many higher education institutions are grappling with the challenge of engaging a new generation of students. This investigation sought to understand what motivates Gen Z college students to seek out encounters with art and engage with their university art museum. Results illustrate a disconnect between the expressed purpose of a university art museum and the perceptions driving Gen Z students’ engagement with art. Data analysis revealed that students are compelled by (a) aesthetic experiences and (b) opportunities for social connection. Importantly, findings underscore the educational value of student engagement with the museum as a means for exploring identity, building mentor relationships, and having intellectual dialogue over pressing societal issues. Additionally, the importance of social media as a tool for further engagement emerged as a recurring insight.