Springfield Art Museum nears date for temporary closure

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The days are winding down as the Springfield Art Museum prepares for a three-year temporary closure that will see tens of millions of dollars' worth of renovations.

Springfield Art Museum Director Nick Nelson said Sept. 1 would be the last day open to the public at the 1111 E. Brookside Drive museum in the Phelps Grove neighborhood. As previously announced, renovations that are part of the museum's capital campaign are expected to start in January 2025 and last through 2027.

"We are incredibly excited to begin work on the Springfield Art Museum’s expansion and renovation. The scope of work touches every part of the Museum and will transform and completely modernize our facility," Nelson said via email.

A 2 p.m. open house is scheduled Aug. 24 at the museum, during which announcements about the campaign are planned, and the last event prior to construction will be the 99X Party fundraiser on Sept. 28, Nelson said.

Nelson said a temporary location for the museum would be unveiled at the open house. An announcement issued to museum patrons additionally indicates the open house would have discussions on its five-year strategic plan, fundraising progress toward its $50 million goal and a review of the construction plans and timeline.