Akron – The Akron Art Museum plans to reopen to the public in a limited capacity on Thursday, July 23. Member previews will begin July 16. AAM’s first phase hours will be Thursdays 11 am-9 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11 am-5 pm. The limited hours will allow for proper cleaning of gallery and lobby areas before, during, and after opening. The Museum’s hours and days will likely expand later in the year.
“Arts are a respite and diversion for people even in the best of times,” Interim Director Jon Fiume said. “Opening the galleries and garden is an important service we can offer our community, but we wanted to do this in a way that kept wellness in mind. The staff came up with a plan that allows everyone to enjoy the spaces safely.”
Akron Art Museum has been working internally to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the staff. The Museum is following guidelines from the Ohio Governor’s Office and Ohio Department of Health (Responsible RestartOhio Retail, Consumer, Service & Entertainment Guidelines), CDC, the American Alliance of Museums, and best practices set forth by museum directors across the state and country as well as those by our local arts and culture partners for safe reopening amid COVID-19. Our plan has also been reviewed and approved by the Summit County Public Health Department.
Timed Ticketing
Until October 31, admission will be free. There will be limited capacity for the first month to support social distancing. Free tickets are available online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/akron-art-museum-admission-tickets-110680337870. Those without easy internet access can call 330.376.9186 option “0″ for tickets. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors should reserve tickets prior to a visit.
Timed ticketing will allow the museum to control audience numbers. One-way flow and floor markers will help ensure social distancing efforts. “Visitors will see changes, certainly. Staff will be wearing masks and we encourage visitors to do so as well. Signs will be posted to help remind people of the best ways to stay safe, but some things will be just as visitors remember. The Inverted Q sculpture by Claes Oldenburg will greet them at the door. El Anatsui’s Dzesi II will be in the galleries. Seeing old favorites will hopefully give our visitors some authentic experiences in a time when so much is in flux.”
Special Offers
- All members of the Akron Art Museum will have early access beginning July 16 through July 18.
- Through October 31, entry to the museum will be free for all visitors.
- Between July 1 and October 31, all new and renewing memberships will receive 25% off at any level of membership.
- All active memberships as of June 30, 2020 will be automatically extended for 3 months. If you wish to renew your membership or become a new member, visit https://akronartmuseum.wpengine.com/join-give/ or call 330.376.9186 option “0″.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Upon entry, visitors will notice signage designed to keep them informed about AAM’s health and safety protocols and processes:
- The museum will be contactless. No cash will be accepted
- Staff will be required to wear masks and we encourage visitors to do so as well
- Acrylic partitions have been erected at the visitor desk
- Regular and thorough sanitization occurs throughout the day and after-hours
- Sanitization stations are available throughout the building
- One-flow through the galleries will support social distancing
- Social distancing markers and reminders have been placed throughout the building
- No food service is available onsite
- The Museum store will be online only
- Tours and programs will remain digital
The Akron Art Museum team will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed.
Summer programming will remain virtual. The wildly popular Downtown @ Dusk will continue, though moving online. Studio experiences and virtual tours are also available. “Virtual offerings are an important addition, and we’re glad we have the bandwidth to do so. But visiting the galleries and seeing the authentic works of art is unlike anything you can experience at home. We’re glad to find ways to allow our community into the galleries.”