All upcoming Daytime programs

The year 1492 is a defining moment in history, marked by groundbreaking discoveries and artistic innovation that reshaped the world. From Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the achievements of Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer, discovery and innovation sparked a period of unprecedented creativity. Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo examines how the convergence of exploration, scientific progress, and artistic mastery shaped a transformative age of cultural and intellectual growth. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Constructed in 1299, Palazzo Vecchio was built to be the town hall of Florence. Although it remains a symbol and center for local government, Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum that is home to frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as statues by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giambologna. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known museum that has become a symbol of Florence. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Historian Eleanor Barraclough digs into the day-to-day lives of the real Vikings—not the storied kings, raiders, and saga heroes but the ordinary people: the merchants, artisans, slaves, and storytellers who shaped the medieval Nordic world. Barraclough’s tools are artifacts such as a comb engraved with the earliest traces of a new writing system, a pagan shrine found deep beneath a lava field, and a note from an angry wife to a husband too long at the tavern.

Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. Inspired by works of art by Georgia O'Keeffe and poetry by Mary Oliver, explore the lessons that the summer season offers us when we slow down, look closely, and reflect. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop invites you to look at the world through the lens of painting and poetry and to respond through reflective writing. 

The music of Maurice Ravel brings a unique form of magnetism, delicacy, passion, and a frisson of disquiet to the concert experience. Concert pianist and speaker Rachel Franklin celebrates Ravel's 150th birthday by exploring a wide range of works from such masterpieces as Daphnis et Chloé and La Valse to solo display works like Tzigane that dazzle with their beauty and technical brilliance.

The island of Santorini boasts one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites of the Greek Bronze Age. It is often described as the “Pompeii of the Aegean” because around 1600 B.C.E., a cataclysmic volcanic eruption engulfed the island in layers of pumice and ash up to 60 yards deep. It was not until 1967 that systematic excavations began in earnest. Art historian Renee Gondek delves into the ancient site and discusses the colorful frescoes found in many of the preserved structures.

Czech glassmaking has captivated the world for centuries. What began in the medieval regions of Bohemia and Silesia has evolved into a world-renowned tradition celebrated for its artistry and innovation. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the development of Czech glassmaking, the distinctive techniques that define it, and the wide range of luxury objects that artisans produce. She also offers a virtual tour of the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants at Harvard University. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Why do some conversations leave us feeling unheard and disconnected? Former BBC journalist, executive coach, and mediator Emily Kasriel argues that it’s because we've forgotten how to truly listen. Drawing from her book Deep Listening, she introduces an innovative approach to transformative conversations, illustrating how shifting from surface-level exchanges to more profound encounters can enrich our relationships as friends, parents, and partners—and in the process we can reconnect with others and bridge divides.

Paris, renowned for its signature landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, blends rich history with modern innovation. While celebrated for its classical beauty, the city has evolved into a dynamic hub for cutting-edge design. Art historian Jennie Hirsh leads an illustrated walk through the city, highlighting some of the most innovative and visually striking buildings of the modern era. (World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit)

Winston Churchill, who began painting in 1915 at the age of 40, completed more than 500 canvases over the course of his life, describing the pastime as "a joyride in a paintbox." The largest selection of his works is displayed at his former home at Chartwell in Kent. Katherine Carter, Chartwell’s curator, approaches the paintings as a visual diary, depicting the places Churchill visited and the people he met, all using the brightest colors his oil paints could create.