The Allentown Art Museum is pleased to announce that thanks to a generous legacy gift from the Century Fund and lead support from Lehigh Valley Health Network and City Center Allentown and J.B. and Kathleen Reilly, the Museum is instituting Free Admission for All, Forever, beginning Saturday, August 27, 2022.
“Becoming an admission-free Museum is the most important step yet in our years-long journey toward eliminating barriers to entry and ensuring that our entire community has access to the Museum and our programs,” says Max Weintraub, Museum president and CEO.
Museum Board Chair, Michelle Stringer, adds, “This transformational change ensures the sustainability of the Museum and continued relevancy to a comprehensive group of diverse constituencies throughout our region.”
To celebrate the opening weekend of Free Admission for All, the Museum is hosting special activities aimed at welcoming all in the community into the galleries on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28.
That weekend the Museum will be reopening the first-floor exhibition spaces that have been closed for renovation since the start of summer. Visitors will able to view the New American Galleries—the first significant reinstallation of the permanent collection in more than a decade. This important reinstallation showcases recent acquisitions and highlights African American, Afro-Latinx, Latinx, Central and South American, Indigenous, and women artists. A third of the 148 works on view will be changed out every six months, ensuring that the galleries remain dynamic spaces of learning.
Upstairs in Art Ways Interactive Family Gallery, a trio of new Maker Stations will introduce visitors of all ages to technology such as a 3D printer and conservation tools used in the restoration of artworks.
Both days there will be guided tours, artists in the galleries, self-guided Treasure Hunts inside and outside the Museum, music, food, and more. For a complete schedule of activities on August 27 and 28 click HERE.
“We are forever grateful for the support that all our donors and members provide to us every year,” says Max Weintraub. “Their generosity allows us to keep the doors open, display timeless pieces of art, and deliver programs that enrich the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.”
The Century Fund gift that is supporting Free Admission for All, Forever, is managed by the endowment fund at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
Greg L. Butz • Russ and Donna Leibensperger • Jamie Musselman and Jim Edwards • Tony and Nancy Odorski • J. B. and Kathleen Reilly • Tom and Amy Scalici • Michelle and Rick Stringer • Jedediah H. Turner • Paul and Sally Vikner • Judy and Bruce Waldman
ABOUT THE ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM
The Allentown Art Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that participates in the cultural, educational, and economic life of the Lehigh Valley. Defined by a unique combination of tradition and innovation, our collections, educational partnerships, community-based programs, and exhibitions are dedicated to inspiring the broadest possible public engagement, access, and service. For more information please visit AllentownArtMuseum.org.