Letter from the Museum of Fine Arts Executive Director and CEO
We are optimistically looking ahead, and are excited to share that our phased reopening will begin September 12 starting with MFA Members. Our reopening decisions continue to be data-driven and responsive to the current risks. As of today, the rate of positive coronavirus cases is rising in our community and across the state. We will remain closed in the coming months as a commitment to do our part to help slow the spread of this serious virus within our community. Our highest priority has, and always will be, the health and safety of staff and visitors. As we continue to monitor state and local COVID-19 data, we will provide updates to our reopening plans, including the reopening date to the general public.
During our time of temporary closure, we have been undertaking deep cleaning of the entire museum, working on maintenance projects, preparing for safe reopening protocols, researching and writing about hundreds of works in the MFA Collection, and — most exciting — renovating and reinstalling our Collection galleries as planned, ahead of schedule. These updates will enhance the appearance of the galleries, but also transform the way you experience art at the MFA. This major project is already underway, and we look forward to unveiling the new look and installation later this year. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for some sneak peeks at the renovation progress!
Our reopening will kick off with the special exhibition, Derrick Adams: Buoyant. Originally scheduled to be on view this summer, this vibrant show will now run September 12 through November 29. MFA Members will receive first access to the exhibition before the Museum reopens to the general public, as well as get an exclusive first look at our updated Collection galleries this Fall. Members help make everything we do for the community possible, and this is just one way of showing our gratitude for their generous philanthropic support of the MFA through membership. If you are able, please consider joining today at any level before the reopening, and experience these exclusive access benefits, as well as many more. Until our doors reopen, we hope you continue to enjoy our online programming, MFA From Home, throughout the summer, as we celebrate the power that art offers to inspire, delight and educate.
Thank you again for your continued support. Please stay safe, and be well.
Sincerely,
Kristen A. Shepherd
Executive Director and CEO of the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg