5 days ago
Swope Art Museum now closed for renovation
The major renovation at the Swope Art Museum that started in March has now reached the point where the museum must close to the public, the Swope's executive director said Thursday.
The museum will reopen to the public in January 2026.
'Much work has been going on for the last three months, and now it is time to start the process of replacing the existing elevator which will restrict access to the upper floors where the majority of exhibits are,' Fred J. Nation, executive director of the Terre Haute museum, said in a news release.
'This is the first major renovation of the Swope Block in 25 years and when it is finished, we expect the museum will be well prepared to preserve, protect and exhibit our collection of great American art and make the museum accessible to all,' he said.
During the closure, the staff will continue to work, and the museum will continue offering programming to the community.
The Third Annual William T. Turman Plein Air event will bring dozens of artists to Vigo County June 20-25, where they will paint outdoor scenes. The works will be exhibited July 1 – August 15 at the Gallery at Arts Illiana with a reception July 11, 6 – 8 pm.
The 81st Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition will be on view August 19 - October 31 with an awards reception on Aug. 29 from 4 to 8 pm in the Yang Family Gallery at Indiana State University.
Art Start, a free weekly program for children ages 3 to 5, will resume in September at the Vigo County Public Library.
In addition, several other off-site events are planned.
'We realize our closure period will disappoint some, including visitors from out of town who come to see our collection,' Nation said. 'However, the investment today will make the future of the museum more secure and preserve and protect our collection.
In addition to the new elevator, the renovation project includes a second interior stairway, new art storage, the Mary Ann Carroll Family Education Center and a new HVAC system.
A successful 'Great Art for All' capital campaign has raised $6.5 million for the renovations and endowment of the Swope.
