The Dayton Art Institute (DAI), closed since March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced it will reopen to members on Friday, July 10 and to the general public on Friday, July 17. The museum will reopen with limited hours of 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, noon–5 p.m. on Sundays.
“After nearly fourth months apart, we are thrilled to finally welcome our members and the community back to the museum,” said DAI Director and CEO Michael R. Roediger. “The safety of both our staff and guests has been of the utmost importance, and the public will see a number of measures in place to ensure that everyone has a safe and positive experience at the museum.”
The museum also announced that, due to ongoing uncertainties related to COVID-19 and large gatherings, it will cancel all three of its 2020 Signature Events–Art Ball, Bourbon & Bubbles and Oktoberfest. Art Ball and Bourbon & Bubbles had previously been postponed, and Oktoberfest was scheduled to take place September 25–27.
“The decision to cancel our Signature Events, especially Oktoberfest, was a tremendously difficult one to make,” Roediger said. “Not only do they bring together so many people from throughout the region, but they are also our biggest fundraisers and contribute significant income to our operating budget each year.”
The DAI is asking those who purchased Bourbon & Bubbles tickets to consider donating the value of the tickets to the museum; the financial impact of COVID-19 on the museum is expected to exceed one million dollars this year. Ticket holders who would like to receive a refund should send requests via email to[email protected].
Roediger added, “Rest assured that Oktoberfest, as well as Art Ball and Bourbon & Bubbles, will be back, bigger and better than ever, in 2021. Oktoberfest, which was established in 1971, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Through all of this, our event sponsors have continued to show tremendous support for the museum, and we will not let this setback diminish these community traditions.” The cancellation of the museum’s Signature Events does not affect wedding and event rentals at the museum.
The museum will launch a special “Virtual Oktoberfest” fundraiser in August, offering a limited-edition 2020 Oktoberfest package that includes an exclusive t-shirt and mug, as well as other unique items. More details will be announced in July, with updates and additional information posted at daytonartinstitute.org/oktoberfest. The DAI extends a special thanks to Bonbright Distributors, which will continue as Presenting Sponsor of the Virtual Oktoberfest.
When the museum reopens on July 10, new policies and safety measures will be in place to protect staff and guests, as recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ohio Department of Health. These include:
- Physical distancing measures to ensure guests remain six feet from others not in their group
- All staff and guests will be required to wear face coverings while visiting the museum
- Enhanced cleaning procedures in place throughout the museum
- Protective shields installed at the museum’s Guest Services Desk
All museum tours will be self-guided, in-person programs and interactive activities will not be available at this time, and The Lange Family Experiencenter will remain closed.
More information about museum policies and procedures, as well as planning a visit, will be available at daytonartinstitute.org/visit and posted to the museum’s social media pages.
The DAI’s Museum Store will also reopen on July 10, and the Special ExhibitionSamurai, Ghosts and Lovers: Yoshitoshi’s Complete 100 Aspects of the Moon has been extended through September 13. The Focus Exhibitions Photographs from the Collection, Swashbuckling Samurai and In the Company of Friends: The Kettering and Patterson Legacy will also be on view when the DAI reopens.
“We’re especially excited to be able to extend the Samurai, Ghosts and Loversexhibition, which had been on view for less than three weeks when the museum closed,” said DAI Chief Curator Jerry Smith. “Many expressed disappointment about not having gotten a chance to see it, and we look forward to welcoming the community back to explore this amazing collection.”
Advance tickets are not required to visit the museum, but capacity may be limited in some collection galleries and the Special Exhibition. Museum general admission, which includes the collection galleries and all exhibitions, is $15 adults, $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more), $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7-17), free for children (ages 6 & younger) and museum members.
