Orlando Museum of Art to offer free admission on “Access for All” Third Thursdays

Exciting news from Orlando Museum of Art, as part of a $40 million nationwide initiative funded by Art Bridges Foundation, the museum will offer free admission on “Access for All” Third Thursdays.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative made possible by a $400,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation. The “Access for All” initiative aims to increase access to museums and foster engagement with local communities by covering the costs of admission, expanded hours, and programming, outreach, and community partnerships that will enhance access to art and art experiences.

“We are thrilled to launch Access for All, a historic partnership with cultural institutions across the country to make it easier for people in every U.S. region to see and experience art. At Art Bridges, we can’t wait to see our trusted partners get creative and deliver impact to their communities,” Alice Walton, founder and board chair of Art Bridges, said. “...we are confident Access for All will not only help to rebuild museum attendance but also bring more people than ever into museum galleries and reshape the arts world as one that is open to all.”

Access for All Third Thursdays, a monthly free day, will launch in January of 2024 – the beginning of OMA’s year-long Centennial Celebration. This program will fill a vital gap in the community and provide access to art and cultural experiences to Central Florida’s working people, families, and seniors. OMA will open its doors from 10 AM to 8 PM on the third Thursday of every month, removing the burden of admission and giving visitors expanded hours to explore the museum.

As a participating museum, OMA can utilize funds to develop programming tailored to its communities. Features of the OMA program include free admission, programming from visiting interdisciplinary cultural organizations, and expanded community outreach. The museum also recognizes that transportation is a challenge for many in the community and has plans to partner with local transit systems to offer transportation assistance to visitors.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Art Bridges and to make art experiences more available to the entire Orlando community,” says Cathryn J. Mattson, OMA Executive Director & CEO. “We look forward to welcoming everyone, especially those who haven’t attended before, to the museum to enjoy the galleries and special events on Access for All Third Thursdays.”

The first Access for All Third Thursday will take place on January 18, 2024. Programming will include live performances, popular OMA educational programming, and refreshments. Parking at the museum is free for visitors. Public transportation is available to the museum via Sunrail and the LYNX bus system. The most convenient Sunrail station is located at AdventHealth, 500 East Rollins Street, Orlando. Guests who choose to arrive via the LYNX bus can access the museum via the Princeton Street and Loch Haven Park stop.

By making museum access free, Access for All Third Thursdays aims to break down the perception that museums are intimidating or inaccessible, making OMA a welcoming resource for all. With the area's poverty rate at nearly 13% and a median household income of $65,242, many residents work multiple low-wage jobs to make ends meet. Access for All Third Thursdays is designed to serve these

families and individuals by removing the barriers to museum access.

Through this new and exciting program, OMA hopes to introduce a new audience to their city’s art museum. The Orlando Museum of Art invites everyone to experience the beauty and inspiration art has to offer.

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