The Akron Art Museum is on track to unveil its renovated historic building this September, marking a significant milestone for the local cultural scene. Originally built in 1899 as Akron’s first post office, the building has been home to the museum since 1981. The renovations aim to blend the architectural styles of the original structure with the museum’s newer addition from 2007.
Revitalized Spaces and New Exhibits
Summit Construction Co. has been hard at work updating the three-story building. The renovations include the installation of glass walls to harmonize with the glass exterior of the newer building. On the third floor, large arched windows facing Market Street will be uncovered, allowing natural light to flood the office areas.
The second floor will house the Tony and Susie Paparella Galleries, set to open with an exhibition titled “The Surrealist Impulse,” featuring works by Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Marcel Duchamp. Meanwhile, the first floor’s C. Blake McDowell Jr. Gallery will be transformed into a black box space for contemporary art, starting with “Shana Moulton: Meta/Physical Therapy.” This exhibition will showcase synchronized video projections and sculptural environments.
Interactive and Educational Spaces
Additionally, the first floor will feature the J.M. Smucker Co. Idea Machine, a hands-on space encouraging visitor interaction with art. The inaugural installation, “Idea Machine by CHIAOZZA,” will offer colorful, playful creations by Brooklyn artists Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao.
Other improvements include a new classroom, updated office spaces, and enhanced facilities such as bathrooms and a feeding room. The museum’s $13 million renovation project is funded by foundations, the state, and private donors.
The Akron Art Museum will celebrate its grand reopening on September 24 with free public tours, new exhibits, and family-friendly activities. The museum remains open during renovations, featuring current exhibits by artists like Kent Monkman and Jess T. Dugan. For more information, visit akronartmuseum.org.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
