UPDATE: Statement Regarding COVID-19

From the desk of the interim director

UPDATE: THE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART WILL OPEN TO MEMBERS ONLY JUNE 2-5 FROM 10 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M., AND TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BEGINNING JUNE 9. THE MUSEUM WILL OPEN THE GALLERIES AT A LIMITED CAPACITY WITH ADDED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. FOR DETAILS, SUBSCRIBE TO THE OMA NEWSLETTER AT OMART.ME/OMANEWS

In response to the increasing threat of COVID-19, The Orlando Museum of Art remains attentive to the latest news about the virus and is keenly aware of the risks it poses to staff and patrons as cases proliferate locally.  Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health, we have made the decision to close the museum through April 9, 2020. While art viewing and educational programming can serve as therapeutic activities during times of uncertainty, we keep the safety of those who frequent the museum - and, by extension, our staff and community – as the top priority.

Since our March 10 statement, OMA has taken heed of widespread calls to “flatten the curve” and curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.  The museum has canceled popular events such as Art in Bloom and Night Shift, and postponed a number of appreciation gatherings to honor the museum’s many volunteers and donors. For the next four weeks, museum leadership has decided to either cancel or postpone all events involving travel or gatherings of more than 10 people. Given the small class sizes and the population served, spring art camp for grades 1-4 will continue in our education wing through March 20.

As the museum remains closed to the public, museum personnel will be working – both on and offsite – to continually improve the traditional museum experience, while finding new ways to interpret and present the most compelling art for the public to experience. In spite of the impending challenges, OMA remains committed to its promise to inspire creativity, passion and intellectual curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas. Accordingly, as an expression of gratitude for the inconveniences, all annual memberships purchased or renewed in the month of March will last for 13 months.

While we work to better serve the community in times of uncertainty, we ask the public to consider becoming a member at OMA and to donate to OMA through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign. For further updates or to submit questions, please visit omart.org or follow OMA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Luder Whitlock
Interim Director
Orlando Museum of Art