FOR RELEASE: March 13, 2020
Akron—In response to the state of emergency declared by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and concerns of “community spread” of COVID-19, Akron Art Museum joins state and national museums in closing to the public starting March 14th until further notice. The museum had previously postponed all public programming originally scheduled through April 30. The museum staff is reaching out to anyone with upcoming scheduled events in the building and will update any changes on its website along with its social media channels.
“Museums are about people, in the end, and the health and wellness about our community is paramount in our minds. We feel this is the best for both our visitors but also our staff,” said Museum Director Mark Masuoka. “Our staff will be working, though many will be invited to work from home. We will be compensating all staff including the part time employees. We are thankful to our board, donors, and members for their support to be able to do so.”
The following events had already been postponed or canceled:
Ongoing: All public, school, and private group tours are cancelled
Ongoing: Research requests from The Martha Stecher Reed Library cancelled
March 14: Be Inspired by Art, Yoga and Meditation and Explore: Elias Sime: Tightrope tour cancelled
March 19: Art Babes postponed
March 21: Family Film Fest cancelled
March 26: Your Say, Akron: Community Conversations postponed
March 28: Art & Ale postponed
March 29: Artist Talk: Elias Sime cancelled
April 2: Creative Playdate postponed
April 4: Tots Create and Kids Studio postponed
April 9: Night at the Museum and After-School Mind Unwind postponed
April 14: Explore: The Kids are Alright tour cancelled
April 15: Meet Me at the Museum postponed
April 18: Explore: The Kids are Alright tour cancelled
April 18: AAM AfterWork cancelled
April 30: Teach Talk postponed
Senior leadership is meeting regularly to review recommendations and adjust our policies and processes as the situation evolves.