Press RoomPhoenix Art Museum to remain closed through September due to COVID-19 pandemic
Phoenix Art Museum to remain closed through September due to COVID-19 pandemic
Aug, 12, 2020
Media Alerts
Phoenix Art Museum to remain closed through September due to COVID-19 pandemic
Museum anticipates re-opening to Members on October 1 and the general public on October 14, continues to monitor recommendations of local health officials
PHOENIX (August 12, 2020) – Phoenix Art Museum announces that it will continue its closure of the Museum’s physical spaces due to the spread of COVID-19 across the state of Arizona this summer. Prioritizing its commitment to the health and well-being of the community it serves, as well as the health of its staff, the Museum continues to monitor the recommendations of state public-health officials as it aims to re-open to Members on October 1 and the general public on October 14. The Museum’s leadership, led by Sybil Harrington Director and CEO Timothy R. Rodgers, PhD, will continue to meet throughout the summer with the institution’s Board of Trustees to determine a path to re-opening safely for its community this fall.
“Phoenix Art Museum seeks to balance its mission of providing access to arts and educational programming with its commitment to public health and safety amidst the pandemic. In order to fulfill that mission while doing our part to help stop the spread of the virus, the Museum will remain closed for now and will continue to increase its digital engagement activities through our weekly Virtual Visits, our bilingual Museum blog, our comprehensive website and social media channels, and new virtual gallery tours, lectures, and educational events that deliver access to our collection in safe yet meaningful ways,” said Rodgers, who began in his new role with the Museum on July 1.
Museum staff have also created a comprehensive plan designed to reduce the risk of infection for visitors and staff when it re-opens to Members on October 1 and the general public on October 14. This plan features a number of safety measures and operational changes, including a cap on the number of visitors permitted into the Museum per day, continuous disinfecting and cleaning practices, required masks for both staff and visitors, and encouragement to purchase tickets to the Museum in advance of visiting. In addition, the Museum will offer some visiting periods exclusive to seniors as an additional form of protection for this vulnerable population. The Museum’s plan and its anticipated October re-opening are subject to change based on recommendations from state and municipal public-health officials.
The impact of the closure on the Museum and many other arts and cultural institutions is profound, as Museum admissions and Membership sales provide vital financial support for all areas of the institution’s operations, including facilities upkeep, education and curatorial efforts, and the maintenance and conservation of the Museum’s collections.
“This is an unprecedented time in the Museum’s history, as both the closure and the challenges caused by the economic downturn impact our ability to serve our community,” said Rodgers. “We are grateful to our generous Members and donors who have continued to support Phoenix Art Museum even while they are not able to visit. Their generosity is helping to ensure the institution’s stability and existence for years to come.”
Since 1959, Phoenix Art Museum has provided millions of guests with access to world-class art and experiences in an effort to ignite imaginations, create meaningful connections, and serve as a brave space for all people who wish to experience the transformative power of art. Located in Phoenix’s Central Corridor, the Museum is a vibrant destination for the visual arts and the largest art museum in the southwestern United States. Each year, more than 300,000 guests engage with critically acclaimed national and international exhibitions and the Museum’s collection of more than 20,000 works of American and Western American, Asian, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. The Museum also presents a comprehensive film program, live performances, and educational programs designed for visitors of all ages, along with vibrant photography exhibitions made possible through the Museum’s landmark partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona. To learn more about Phoenix Art Museum, visit phxart.org, or call 602.257.1880.
