The Springfield Art Museum discusses the upcoming restoration in a conference on 24 August with other significant aspects, including temporary exhibition location and community concerns. Following its futuristic renovation plans, the art museum will be closed from September 2024 to 2027 to allow construction and renovation of the main building.
The renovations will seek to include an expanded lobby, visitor lounges, a family learning center, and a new gallery on the east side in its slated three years of construction. Meanwhile, the artworks will be exhibited at the Wilhoit Building in downtown Springfield at this time.
Springfield Mayor Ken McClure spoke at a news conference where he shared how the funds of $38 Million were raised. Furthermore, the museum officials added that there might be a lot of rush in the coming days as there will be added programs, events, school visits, and exhibitions during this renovation period. The Museum Director, Nick Nelson, explained,
“While some folks might assume we’re taking a three-year vacation, nothing could be further from the truth… We have a number of activities lined up to keep the Museum, the community, our dedicated patrons, and visitors connected to and experiencing art as only the Springfield Art Museum can.”
The programs for the next years during this time will include:
- All School Exhibition – An Art exhibition for students from Pre-K to 12th grade in partnership with MSU and Brick City Gallery.
- Art is Everywhere – Community-embedded, pop-up programs.
- Collection Connections – Programs to keep the public connected with selected works of the Museum’s permanent collection in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library.
- Fifth Grade Field Trips – Long Standing programs where the museum educators and art activities will shape the student’s learning.
- Hands-On Art Classes – Art classes for people of all ages.
- Interpretive Programming – Educators will continue to offer artist talks, slow viewing experiences, and take-home project bags.
- Missouri State University Partnerships – Curatorial staff to assist alongside MSU MFA candidates for installation of their exhibitions, continuing partnership with MSU Museum Studies program.
- Watercolor USA – Annual juried exhibition that will continue in 2025 at the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri.
- Special Events – Friend-raising events like “Art in Bloom” and “99 Times”.
- Other Community and University Partnerships – Museum leadership is working with organizations like Abilities First, Downtown Springfield Association, Springfield Regional Arts Council, and many more on cooperative programs and projects while the main Museum is closed.
While the Museum awaits its new look, there are numerous opportunities for people of all ages to participate in and learn.
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Featured Image: Rendering of the Springfield Art Museum | Courtesy: Springfield Art Museum © KY3.
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