Since 1990, the Chazen has presented four to five temporary exhibitions annually in Brittingham Galleries VI and VII. These galleries encompass a total of 3,700 square feet, and the exhibitions they house are significantly larger in scope than those in the much smaller Mayer Gallery. Occasionally, adjacent galleries are dismantled to accommodate exhibitions too large to fit into Galleries VI and VII.

Third-floor exhibitions by and large comprise borrowed objects. Chazen staff, sometimes with the assistance of a guest curator, organize about half of these exhibitions; the others are brought entire from sister institutions. The duration of each third-floor exhibition is never less than six weeks; most are up for eight to twelve weeks. Chazen-organized exibitions occasionally travel to other museums.

Temporary exhibitions are meant to complement the permanent collection, and themes range widely in respect to historical period and culture: from ancient archeological materials to site-specific installations by young contemporary artists. All media are represented: painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, and the various decorative arts. All exhibitions must have relevance to courses or programs at the UW-Madison. At the same time, each exhibition must benefit and appeal to the interests of a broader public.

For a listing of current, recent, and future exhibitions, see Exhibitions.