MEDIA ADVISORY: In response to COVID-19, Phoenix Art Museum temporarily closes through April 6, will begin new digital content and alternate-delivery programs during hiatus

Mar, 16, 2020

Media Alerts

MEDIA ADVISORY: In response to COVID-19, Phoenix Art Museum temporarily closes through April 6, will begin new digital content and alternate-delivery programs during hiatus

PHOENIX (March 16, 2020) – Although there are no cases of COVID-19 linked to the Museum, Phoenix Art Museum will temporarily close its physical spaces to all visitors through April 6 as a matter of care for all visitors, Members, volunteers, and staff and to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to those most vulnerable across its community. This temporary hiatus extends to all galleries, The Museum Store, and the Gene and Cathie Lemon Art Research Library. Additionally, the Museum’s administrative offices will be closed to all visitors. At this time, the Museum’s restaurant, Palette, which is independently operated by Santa Barbara Catering Company, is evaluating a plan for reduced or limited hours.

During this hiatus, the Museum will commence new efforts to open its virtual doors more widely, significantly increasing its digital content across its Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter channels as well as its email subscriptions in the coming days. These daily and weekly doses of new, free art content, including plans for virtual tours of the galleries and online and telephone-based lectures and educational information, will enable community members to engage with the Museum’s collections and exhibitions during this time of social distancing. In addition, the Museum will provide an extension on all existing Museum Memberships and Circles of Support memberships for the period of the closure.

Over the next three weeks, the Museum will also honor its commitments to its staff by continuing to pay each of its employees. This includes part-time, front-line staff and Museum interns.  

If it becomes necessary to keep the Museum’s doors closed beyond April 6 to further ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff, the Museum will provide notification via email. For a full list of canceled, Museum-related events, visit phxart.org/events/calendar/.

Ticket Refunds for Upcoming Events Through April 6
The Museum will automatically refund tickets for events scheduled through April 6 within 7-10 business days. If individuals wish to donate the cost of their tickets back to Phoenix Art Museum during this time, they can contact tickets@phxart.org for more information.

Information on the cancelation of Members’ and Circles of Support events can be found on phxart.org.

About Phoenix Art Museum

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 connection, 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.