Major renovation creates new galleries and learning spaces and reimagines the Museum’s historic home for its next century
AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Art Museum will reopen its historic 1899 Building next week following a $12.5 million transformation that creates more space for art, learning, creativity and community engagement while preparing one of downtown Akron’s most recognizable historic buildings for its next century.
As part of the reopening, the historic building will be formally named the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Building, recognizing the Foundation’s longstanding investment in the Akron Art Museum and its commitment to arts, culture and a vibrant downtown.
Knight Foundation has been a transformational partner to the Museum for decades, supporting its growth, exhibitions, programs, digital initiatives and physical campus. Its support of the Museum’s Create the Future Centennial Campaign helped make the transformation of the 1899 Building possible.
“Strong arts institutions are part of what makes a city thrive,” said Kristina Newman-Scott, vice president of arts at Knight Foundation. “The Akron Art Museum’s reimagined 1899 Building creates more opportunities for residents to connect, explore and imagine together. Knight Foundation is proud to continue supporting the Museum’s role in downtown Akron’s growth.”
Construction began in July 2025 and represents one of the most significant transformations of the Museum’s downtown campus since its 2007 expansion. The project creates 2,152 square feet of additional gallery space and a new 957-square-foot dedicated classroom, along with new capabilities for video, digital and time-based art, expanded visitor amenities, new restrooms and a family care room.
At the center of the transformation is the new two-story J.M. Smucker Co. Idea Machine, an interactive space designed to encourage visitors of all ages to make, experiment and engage with art.
Originally constructed as Akron’s main post office and opened in 1899, the historic building became home to the Akron Art Museum in 1981. In 2007, the Museum expanded with the opening of the John S. and James L. Knight Building, designed by Viennese architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. The newly transformed 1899 Building reclaims previously underused areas while preserving the character of a structure that has been part of downtown Akron for more than 125 years.
The transformation was made possible through the Museum’s Create the Future Centennial Campaign, with major support from Knight Foundation, $2 million in capital funding from the State of Ohio, and contributions from foundations, corporations and individual donors throughout the community.
“This transformation is about much more than a building,” said Jon A. Fiume, John S. Knight Director and CEO of the Akron Art Museum. “It gives us more space to share art, welcome students, create new experiences and bring people together. As we prepare to enter the Museum’s next century, we are honoring an important piece of Akron’s history while creating new possibilities for what the Museum can mean to this community for generations to come.”
The project team included Perspectus Architecture, architect; Process Creative Studios, design consultant; Summit Construction, construction manager; and Wade Trim, owner’s representative.
New Exhibitions and Experiences
The reopening of the 1899 Building will introduce visitors to several new exhibitions and experiences throughout the transformed spaces.
Idea Machine by CHIAOZZA
The first installation in the J.M. Smucker Co. Idea Machine is created by CHIAOZZA, the collaborative studio of artists Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao. Designed as a space where making and thinking happen simultaneously, Idea Machine invites visitors to participate, create, and experiment in an environment that evolves through their interaction.
The Surrealist Impulse
Presented in the Tony and Susie Paparella Galleries, The Surrealist Impulse brings together works associated with two influential artistic movements of the early 20th century, Dada and Surrealism, alongside closely related works by Art Brut, or “raw art,” creators working during the same period. Featured artists include Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and Victor Brauner.
Shana Moulton: Meta/Physical Therapy
Presented in the McDowell Family Galleries, Shana Moulton: Meta/Physical Therapy features eight synchronized video projections spanning walls, floors, and shaped theatrical flats. The immersive installation centers on Cynthia, Moulton’s semi-autobiographical alter ego, and explores wellness culture, anxiety, consumerism, and the search for transcendence.
Opening Week: September 23–27
Opening Week is presented by State and Federal Communications.
The Museum will celebrate the reopening throughout the week offering members, supporters, and the community opportunities to experience the transformed 1899 Building.
Wednesday, September 23 | First Look + Art Blooms 2026
Visitors can be among the first to explore the transformed 1899 Building from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day will also feature Art Blooms 2026: Color Abounds, a one-day-only Garden Club of America Flower Show presented by the Akron Garden Club, featuring floral designs inspired by works of art, horticulture displays, botanical creations, and photography throughout the Museum. Akron Art Museum members receive free admission and are invited to a special member preview from 11 a.m. to noon. General admission applies for nonmembers.
Thursday, September 24 | The Doors Open: Free Community Celebration
The Museum will open its doors for a free community celebration from noon to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy art, music, family activities, gallery experiences, food and drinks while exploring the transformed 1899 Building and the Museum’s newest exhibitions.
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27 | Opening Weekend
Opening Week continues Friday through Sunday, with the Museum open from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Akron Marathon participants will receive free Museum admission Friday through Sunday by presenting their race bib.
The Museum will be closed to the public from Monday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 22 as staff completes final preparations for the reopening.
For more information about the Akron Art Museum and Opening Week, visit AkronArtMuseum.org