BUFFALO, N.Y. — The highly anticipated reopening of Buffalo AKG Art Museum is here.
The art museum has been closed for three years undergoing drastic renovations, including the dramatic glass elements of the new Gundlach portion of the expansion.
The excitement is building for the official opening, which is scheduled for Monday, June 12.
"It's a moment of joy. And it's really a moment of joy. Not just for everyone who works here at the buffalo AKG Art Museum. But for our entire community. It's a historic moment for the sixth oldest art museum in America to finally have a stadium on which its world renowned collection can shine and radiate and serve our community. That's what this project has been all about being a community partner, and opening the museum to visitors from near and far in a welcoming, hospitable way to make create a museum where everyone can say, I feel at home, this is my place and not an intimidating place where you kind of feel like well, do I really belong here and I don't know much about contemporary art. This museum has been now designed to really move people in a way that makes them feel at home. Think of it as your living room," said Janne Sirén, PhD, Peggy Pierce Elfvin Director of AKG.
The new gallery will be significantly larger.
In the older structure, only about 130 pieces could be displayed at any one time. But now about 400 will be able to be shown along with some actual exhibits.
Members will be able to get their first look at the museum on Sunday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 13.
The whole community will be able to get a look for free from the following Thursday through Sunday. The entire campus will be able to be viewed for free.
Even though the community look will be free, you still need to reserve a ticket. Tickets for the community weekend can be obtained on the AKG website.