Allentown Art Museum to Stop Charging Admission August 27 and Open New American Galleries | Lehigh Valley Regional News

The Allentown Art Museum will stop charging for admission effective August 27.

The museum at 31 N. Fifth St. announced the new policy in a letter to members.

“Thanks to a generous donation from the Century Fund and your continued membership, we will be able to institute free admission for all, in perpetuity,” according to the letter from Max Weintraub, CEO and President.

The cost to visit now, according to the museum’s website, ranges from $10 for seniors and children 6 and older to 12 for adults. Admission is already free on Sundays, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

Now everyone will be able to enjoy the museum’s collection, according to Weintraub’s letter.

“Becoming an entry-free museum is the most important step in our multi-year journey toward breaking down barriers to entry and ensuring our entire community has access to the museum and our programs,” he said. he declares.

Also on August 27, the museum will open its new American galleries.

Painter, teacher, and critic Walter Baum led the grassroots effort that resulted in the founding of the museum in 1934, according to the museum’s website. Then, in 1960 and 1961, philanthropist Samuel H, Kress donated 53 Baroque and Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

The museum’s collection includes works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals and Gilbert Stuart, as well as more modern painters Baum and Franz Kline. It also has a Frank Lloyd Wright room and space for rotating exhibitions.