Media Release

Take One Last Look: Spencer Museum prepares to close galleries for renovation

LAWRENCE, KS, March 30, 2015— The Spencer Museum invites you to take one last look at the galleries before closing for Phase I of a major renovation. During the next two weeks, the Museum will host several Last Look events, including extended hours and entertainment on April 4 and 11, and a Closing Party on April 12 from 3–5pm.

“Whether you visit us to study great works of art, find tranquility, or seek inspiration, I invite you to experience the Spencer one last time before our transformation begins,” said Spencer Museum Director Saralyn Reece Hardy.

Galleries will close to the public after April 12 in preparation for renovations beginning in May. The Phase I project will transform 30,000 square feet of the Museum, including a complete renovation of the lobby and central court. Specific features include an elevator and staircase connecting the Museum’s two floors of gallery space and a floor-to-ceiling window feature, allowing natural light inside the galleries and connecting the Museum to the historic Marvin Grove. An expanded object study area and teaching gallery will allow for increased class and tour capacity.

Although galleries will remain closed until the project’s completion, the Spencer Museum will be as active as ever with offsite programs and special events throughout the community. Spencer Museum: At Large programs will include artist talks, performances, and popular youth and family activities such as the Art Cart and Saturday Art Adventures.

“Art goes beyond objects, galleries, and museums. It is a force that inhabits, invigorates, and transforms communities,” Reece Hardy said. “During the renovation the Spencer will be at large in Lawrence as a vibrant presence sharing ideas and sparking creativity.”

Programming Information

April 1

Performance: Soundwall, 5:30pm–7pm

KU’s Percussion Group presents a concert of minimalist masterworks and premieres Little Structures, a piece written by KU Professor Kip Haaheim and commissioned by the Museum to complement Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing 519.

April 4

Springtime Teatime, 4pm

Enjoy a springtime tea party with musical selections inspired by the season. Extended gallery hours through 8pm.

April 11

Cirque du Spencer, 4pm

Marvel at MoonDrop Circus as they stroll the galleries performing circus acts with a twist. Stretch your imagination and body by joining interactive demos. Extended gallery hours through 8pm.

April 12

12–3pm: Day of Creativity

Co-sponsored with the KU Natural History Museum, the Day of Creativity includes performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that celebrate creativity across disciplines.

3–5pm: Closing Party

Help us close the galleries in style with refreshments, entertainment, and a last look at current installations.

Media Contacts

Elizabeth Kanost

Elizabeth Kanost
Communications Manager
785.840.0142
elizacat@ku.edu