Polk Museum of Art Announces Member-Exclusive and Public Reopening Dates

Lakeland, FL (August 19, 2020) – The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is excited to announce it is welcoming Museum members back to the galleries beginning Wednesday, August 26, 2020, leading up to the public reopening on Tuesday, September 8. After closing in mid-March, the Museum has been long awaiting a safe and proper time to welcome the community back through its doors.

“Over the past few months, we have missed nothing more than seeing our visitors wandering the galleries of the Museum and attending our classes, lectures, and camp programs," states Dr. Alex Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator. “We — and the art — have anticipated our community’s return eagerly. And finally we are thrilled to welcome everyone back!”

The Museum has been working diligently not only to prepare its gallery spaces for its new fall season and to bring virtual resources and programing to the community over the past few months but has worked also to consider the in-person experience for Museum visitors, keeping their safety and health at the forefront of reopening procedures.

As always, the Museum remains admission-free. The Museum will be offering advanced online reservations to guarantee entry into the Museum on a selected time and day. While the Museum will continue to permit walk-in visitors, who will be asked to reserve a slot upon arrival, using the online reservations system in advance is the best and quickest way to ensure entry into the Museum. The Museum is also requiring visitors over the age of 3 and all staff to wear masks at all times; masks are required to enter the building. All visitors and staff who enter the building will also have their temperatures taken by one of the Museum’s Visitor Experience associates and will be asked a few short health questions at check-in.

“While visiting the Museum will feel a little bit different from usual, we know these protocols are necessary so that everyone who steps through our doors can be reassured in the knowledge that a visit to the Polk Museum of Art will offer a safe escape into the world of art. We want to give our visitors the peace of mind that their health — and the health of others — is the utmost priority to us,” explains Dr. Rich. “We’re looking forward to seeing you in the galleries very soon!”

For any additional information regarding Museum’s reopening safety procedures or to make a reservation, visit https://polkmuseumofart.org/signup. For any additional questions or information, please contact Taylor Holycross, Manager of Membership and Communications, at tholycross@polkmuseumofart.org or 863-688-7743 ex. 249.