The Institute for Human Science and Culture
The Institute for Human Science and Culture (IHSC) is a hands-on humanities center on the corner of campus and community.
The mission of the IHSC is to promote the exploration and appreciation of the widespread human experience, both local and global, through the activation of museum collections. The IHSC enriches The University of Akron student experience with arts and culture activities, speakers, exhibitions, and programs, facilitating engagement and connections among UA departments to discover new and creative ways to nurture learning. We connect UA and Akron communities to learn from each other through arts and culture, expertise and experience, and hands-on teaching and learning.
In addition to collections storage facilities and classrooms, the IHSC is home to the Oak Native American Gallery (currently closed for research) and Lynn Rodeman Metzger Galleries, as well as a library containing the David P. Campbell Postcard Collection, open to the public.
Learn more about our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Plan your visit!
The Institute for Human Science and Culture is located on the 3rd and 4th Floors of the Cummings Center. An interior elevator in the Cummings Center lobby provides access to the Institute galleries. Food and drinks, including water bottles, are not permitted in the galleries. Backpacks and large bags must be left with the reception desk.
Gallery Hours
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
Please note that the Institute closes for all major holidays.
Admission
(includes entry to the Cummings Center's National Museum of Psychology)
- $10 - Adults
- $5 - College ID & Children (under 18)
- $20 - Family
- $5/person - Groups of 10+
- $3/person - Museums for All program (click for details)
- Free - University of Akron students, staff, & faculty (with valid ID)
- Free - with a military ID card or veteran ID card
Contact
Institute phone: 330-972-7952
Email: ihsc@uakron.edu
Address
Cummings Center | 3rd and 4th Floors
73 S. College Street, Akron, Ohio 44325-4302
Building Map
Want to see more? Access a map of the museum and galleries.
Group Visits
The Institute for Human Science and Culture welcomes groups and classes. The galleries are self-guided, but please contact us to schedule a group visit.
Parking
A small free parking lot is adjacent to the Cummings Center, on College St. There are also parking meters located along College St. and free visitor parking available in Lot 30 (corner of College and Market streets). UA staff, faculty, and student parking is available in Lot 40, off Mill St.
Please be aware that The University of Akron is in the process of updating its on-campus parking policies. We anticipate that these changes may impact our visitor lots. We are monitoring the situation and will update this information as soon as any changes occur.
Accessibility
A wheelchair accessible ramp is located on the northeast side of the building, near the main entrance. An interior elevator provides access to the Institute galleries, located on the fourth floor. A wheelchair is also kept on-site and is available for loan to those visiting the museum and archives.
For more information, see our accessibility page.
In the media
- Four Cultural Centers That Are Opening Up the Conversation About Native American Art and Identity BELatina - November 18, 2021
- Oak Native American Gallery has history on display Spectrum News 1 - October 12, 2021
- Institute for Human Science and Culture ‘explores what it means to be human’ The Devil Strip - November 18, 2019
- The Museum of Bags Goes to College Georgetown Dish - November 25, 2019
- Institute for Human Science and Culture renovations video by Mario Micale, Narrative Digital Media
- University of Akron finishes renovations of Cummings Center for the History of Psychology cleveland.com - September 11, 2019
Social Media
