In 2025, MA in Art History Presents launched a new initiative that offers candidates in the MA in Art History an opportunity to conduct and publish research on understudied objects from Columbia University’s art collection. Comprised of more than 13,000 works of art in all media, the collection reflects all cultures and time periods, and is stewarded by Art Properties based in Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library. Drawing on the potential of this extensive collection for object-based research, this new initiative allows students to engage with questions central to art historical and archaeological inquiry, such as dating, attribution, conservation, provenance, and provenience. In doing so, it contributes to the knowledge and visibility of Columbia’s art collection.