Twenty years ago, in the fall of 1984, Sweet Briar College dedicated the Pannell Art Gallery to establish a home for its notable collection of works of art. The one hundred year old Refectory was renovated to house the art collection and art library, to provide a distinguished exhibition hall, and to house the Department of Art History. The facility was dedicated to the care, study, and exhibition of original works of art.

The main gallery, the Anne GaryPannell Art Gallery, is supplemented by two satellite galleries. The Benedict Gallery is located in the lobby of Benedict Hall. The Babcock Gallery is adjacent to the theatre and dance studios. Both the Lobby and Gallery of Babcock are used to display works of art.
In 2004-05, we re-dedicated the Anne Gary Pannell Art Gallery

In commemoration of its founding. The works in our collection provide primary sources for inductive study of the history of art, and of social history. The Pannell Art Gallery provides a sanctuary for contemplation and reflection as well as a distinguished site for lectures, tours and other educational programs and events.