Longmont Museum Celebrates Grand Reopening with Free Celebration Oct. 17
Expanded Museum brings more gallery space, hands-on experiences and new ways to discover art, history and culture
LONGMONT, Colo. – After more than a year with its galleries closed for a major expansion and renovation, the Longmont Museum will open its doors to the community at a free Grand Reopening Celebration Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The all-day celebration marks a new chapter for the Museum and gives the community its first opportunity to explore the expanded facility, new galleries and hands-on experiences. Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by activities, special programs, tours and opportunities for visitors of all ages to discover what’s new.
“The reopening is about so much more than a bigger building,” Longmont Museum Director Erik Mason said. “It’s about creating more opportunities for people to come together, explore, learn, imagine and connect. We’re thrilled to finally welcome our community back into these spaces.”
The nearly $10 million expansion adds 70% more public gallery space and creates new opportunities for the Museum to present art, history and interactive experiences.
Among the experiences visitors can discover on Oct. 17:
- “DreamLab” in Lila’s Children’s Gallery — A new permanent, hands-on children’s exhibit where imagination, creativity and learning come together through playful spaces including a dragon castle and calming crystal cave.
- “Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Portrait” — The new Bill Stewart Feature Gallery will debut with 98 rare photographs, personal letters and notes from Kahlo’s private collection, offering an intimate look at the artist’s life and the people who knew her.
- “Women Artists: Four Centuries of Creativity” — This exhibition celebrates four centuries of women’s artistic achievement through works by artists including Rosa Bonheur, Sonia Delaunay, Käthe Kollwitz, Louise Nevelson and Françoise Gilot.
- Special reopening-day activities and tours — Visitors can explore the expanded Museum and enjoy activities designed to celebrate the Museum’s continued focus on art, history, discovery and community. The day’s schedule includes historical talks, art classes, Discovery Days crafts, animated films, guided tours and more – and it’s all free.
The reopening represents the culmination of years of planning, community support and fundraising. More than 450 individuals, foundations and corporations contributed to the Museum’s capital campaign, which surpassed its original fundraising goal. The Stewart Family Foundation was a major contributor, donating more than $6 million toward the expansion.
The expansion builds on the Museum’s longstanding role as a place where people of all ages can experience art, explore history, learn new things and connect with one another. While the galleries were closed, the Museum continued to offer its extensive lineup of classes, concerts, films, talks, camps and other programs.
Visit the Museum’s website for more information and the latest schedule of reopening-day activities.
Media previews of the expanded galleries are available Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 during exhibit installation. Please contact joan.harrold@longmontcolorado.gov to arrange photography opportunities and interviews.
About the Longmont Museum
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions and events. Located at 400 Quail Road in Longmont, the Museum presents changing art exhibitions, regional history, hands-on learning experiences, performances, classes and community events.
Media Contact:
Joan Harrold
joan.harrold@longmontcolorado.gov
970-380-4943