Back to press releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2008

Harn to remain open on Tuesdays thanks to generous support

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Harn Museum of Art is pleased to announce that the museum will remain open on Tuesdays thanks to the generous support of Harn members and friends.

After the University of Florida announced a university-wide budget reduction for the 2008 – 2009 fiscal year, the Harn was required to lower the cost of operations by 6 percent, which lead to the decision to close the museum on Tuesdays. Closing the museum would have resulted in a decrease in the number of school tours offered, fewer opportunities for UF faculty and students to use the museum’s resources and the elimination of the widely-popular Tuesday tot times offered at the end of each month.

Because of the response from members and friends of the museum, funding has been pledged to keep the museum open. Admission to the museum and the majority of its programs continues to be free to the public.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Harn Museum of Art remains open and accessible to all with free admission,” said Harn Museum of Art Director Rebecca Nagy. “We are thankful to have friends step forward and help during these difficult financial times. Not only are we struggling with UF budget cuts, but our State Cultural Support Grant has been dramatically reduced as well. We are confident that the support of individuals and private foundations will strengthen and sustain the Harn’s budget needs.”

The continued support of museum patrons throughout the year enables the Harn to fulfill its mission of educating, inspiring and enriching people’s lives. Everyone can support the Harn. Opportunities include becoming a member, making a contribution at the visitor donation box and giving to the museum’s Fall and Spring Annual Fund Appeals. Every gift has an impact on the Harn and the diverse local, state, national and international audiences it serves. For more information about how to support the Harn, call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu.

Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
The Harn Museum of Art at SW 34th St. and Hull Rd. is one of the largest university art museums in the country with nearly 7,000 works in its collection focusing on African, Asian, modern and contemporary art and photography. The museum enhances the activities of the University of Florida and serves a culturally diverse audience through educational programming. Admission is free. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free on weekends. The Camellia Court Café is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum and café are open until 9 p.m. Thursdays for Museum Nights during the UF Academic calendar due to the generous support of UF Student Government. For more information call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu

Media contact:
Tami Wroath, Interim Director of Marketing and Public Relations
352.392.9826 x116
twroath@harn.ufl.edu