Our thanks go out to the following individuals, without whose help this site would not have been possible:

Rev. Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., Chair of the Theatre Department and curator/director of the Villanova University Art Gallery

Rev. John J. Sheridan, O.S.A., Augustinian Archivist for the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova

Rev. Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A.,
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Rev. Dennis J. Gallagher, O.S.A., Director of the Villanova University Archives

Christopher M. Janosik, Ed.D., Director of Research and Assessment, Office of Mission Effectiveness

Much of what Villanova University represents is embodied in its Roman Catholic tradition and Augustinian Heritage. Nowhere is this better displayed than in the works of art that serve to decorate, educate and beautify this campus.

Whether stained glass or sculpture, painting or mosaic, the religious and secular artwork that has adorned former and current buildings and common grounds throughout the University since its inception have always served to tie who we are as a community to our roots in the Catholic Church, the Augustinian Order, and the United States of America. With that in mind we have attempted to present here a comprehensive look at the history, symbolism and meaning of the various works of art visible today throughout campus. We have started with the four main places of worship on campus, and will gradually expand the site over time to include religious and secular sculpture, paintings, and other unique forms of art located on the Villanova grounds.

We invite you now to begin exploring the art on our campus by visiting the links on the left. Each will take you to a page that explains a little about the history and use of the building, and will provide a link that will open a new window showcasing the art of that building in pictures and words. Mindful of the fact that the beauty of most of these pieces is in the details, you will be able to zoom in and pan across each image using controls in the viewing window. Thumbnail images of each work of art, along with "Previous" and "Next" buttons will allow you to cycle between all the images in each window.

We hope you enjoy your explorations, and pray that you come away with a deeper appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us in our travels each day as Villanovans.