Harn Museum of Art joins in the celebration of International Museum Day, May 18

May 17, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Harn Museum of Art will offer special incentives to visit its facility on May 18. The museum joins other members of the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) in celebrating International Museum Day. Participation by AAMD member museums will focus attention on the important roles that art museums serve in their communities, further showcase their remarkable collections, and increase opportunities for audiences to engage with the many educational programs art museums offer.

On May 18 the Harn Museum and its neighboring institution, the Florida Museum of Natural History, will offer free parking for visitors. Visitors to the Harn Museum may become a member for 20 percent off the regular price. Those who are already members will receive an additional 10 percent off of their purchases in the Harn Museum Store. Visitors also may dine in the Camellia Court Café and receive $2 off a $10 purchase. On this day, the Harn Museum also will offer any new or renewing member one free catalogue from a selection of past exhibitions. The catalogues include: “Continuity and Change: Three Generations of Ethiopian Artists,” “Paradigms and the Unexpected: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Shey Collection,” and “Spinach Green and Mutton-fat White: Chinese Jades of the Qing Dynasty.”

“These are small ways that the Harn Museum can extend a special welcome to members, regular visitors and new friends and say a warm thank you for your support of the museum,” said Rebecca Nagy, director of the Harn Museum of Art. “Join us on May 18 in celebrating the very special role that museums play in enriching the lives of individuals and contributing to the cultural vitality of our communities.”

AAMD member museums — located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — include smaller regional museums as well as large international institutions. International Museum Day is organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

“We believe that art museums are crucial to our understanding of world history and cultures, and provide a unique and irreplaceable public service,” said Michael Conforti, president of AAMD and director of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA. “AAMD is committed to exploring new ways to underscore the value of the visual arts in civic society, and we are excited that the Harn Museum of Art is joining with us and the global community of museums to focus on this message of public service.”