November 20, 2013 (Knoxville, TN) — The Knoxville Museum of Art’s landmark Clayton Building will reopen Friday, November 29, 2013 in time for the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition. The museum’s Great Hall and North Garden will remain closed while work continues in those areas.
“We are very pleased that the KMA is opening its doors,” said KMA Executive Director David Butler. “We will be reopening the building in phases, beginning with the main floor, followed by the upper floor galleries a few weeks after that. The Great Hall and North Garden are being finished up with plans to reopen in the spring.”
Exterior cleaning and repairs began last January. Interior work began in the fall and included installing new floors, upgrading bathrooms, renovating the catering kitchen, painting, and installing new lighting. All of the exterior and interior renovations and improvements are getting the museum ready for the unveiling of Richard Jolley’s monumental glass and steel sculpture Cycle of Life in early May 2014.
The museum will continue with free admission and invites the community to come see the beautifully renovated Clayton Building. The public can follow renovation updates on the museum’s website and on Facebook and Twitter.
The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 am–5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm-5 pm. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Angela Thomas at 865.934.2034 or visit www.knoxart.org.