Frequently Asked Questions
When is the new building opening?
The new building is scheduled to open to the public on Saturday, April 24, 2010. It will open for Museum members on Friday, April 23, 2010.
Why is the Museum closing?
The Museum strives to provide the best possible visitor experience to those who come to the Museum each day. Beginning in early September, 2009, the collection will be deinstalled and prepared for movement and installation in the new building. There will also be some renovation work happening at the entrance of the current building beginning around the same time. All of these factors combined would diminish the visitor experience greatly and compromise the safety of visitors and of the collection. To avoid this, the Museum will close for a period of time.
What programs or events will still be offered?
The Museum is committed to continuing to share art experiences with the people of North Carolina. There are many programs going on throughout the community as part of Museum on the Move. Check the schedule to find an upcoming event.
The Museum Park will remain open daily from dawn to dusk throughout the time that the galleries are closed.
The Arts in the Museum Park will continue with movies and concerts through the end of September.
Can I still join the Museum when it is closed?
Yes! This is a time when member support is needed more than ever. The Museum will continue to operate during the closed period in preparation for the move and the opening; membership dollars will aid in this transition. By joining prior to January 2010, you will receive invitations to member grand-opening events.
What will the Museum staff be doing while the building is closed?
Working! Many of the Museum staff members will be involved with deinstalling, moving, cleaning, preparing, and reinstalling the collection. Others will be involved in preparing the new space for visitors. Numerous staff members will be working to create new and exciting programming that will launch with the reopening. The Marketing staff is working on a new Museum brand, fully redesigned Web site, and an overhauled Preview magazine. And the Park staff will continue to manage and operate the Museum Park during this time.
Why does the building need to be closed for so long?
The movement of hundreds of works of art requires meticulous work by professional art handlers and security personnel. In addition, all aspects of the building’s systems (HVAC, lighting controls, etc.) must ensure a stable environment for the art and conform to art conservation standards.
Is the construction on schedule? When will the new building open?
Yes. The construction is currently on schedule. The new building is scheduled to open to the public in April 2010.
Will there be opening festivities?
Yes. There will be festivities to celebrate the opening of the new building. Details of the events and specific dates will be announced closer to the opening.
What will be in the new building?
The new building will showcase the permanent collection. It is also the new home for the restaurant and store.
Will there also be new art in the building?
Yes. New acquisitions include works of art by Roxy Paine, Jaume Plensa, El Anatsui, and others. Gifts from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation of numerous Rodin sculptures will be exhibited in the new building and sculpture garden.
What will be in the current building?
It will have expanded gallery space for special exhibitions, a new Box Office, and spaces for educational programming.
Is the new building “green"?
We are actively pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification for the new gallery building. Read more about its environmentally conscious design.