TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Toledo Museum of Art draws visitors from far and wide who admire the vast and decorated collection of pieces that span history and the globe.
“It’s just the most amazing place, it really is, it’s a cornerstone,” said Ann Sacksteder, a visitor from Fostoria who has been traveling to see the museum for decades.
Right now is a great time to take a peek at some of your favorite pieces before they get taken off view for a major project.
Reorganizing the collection
Museum staff told 13 Action News that right now it’s a bit like a Tetris game. They are moving art pieces around the museum, and some to fine art storage facilities across the country as they prepare for a massive layout change.
Normally, they redo a gallery or two, but now almost the entire Toledo Museum of Art is getting a new look.
“Our galleries will be completely reimagined and refreshed,” said Andrea Gardner, the deputy director of the Toledo Museum of Art, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime project.
The last time the museum was reimagined was nearly 40 years ago.
This time, the museum will be organized in chronological order.
Instead of grouping art by where it was made, Gardner says the pieces will be displayed according to when they were made.
“Typically you would go and see African art over here or Asian art over here, but now you’ll see ancient China in dialogue with ancient Mediterranean,” Gardner said.
The new layout will show guests art trends and differences.
“Really amazing to see all these different groups having a similar pottery style or having a similar design esthetic,” said Chantel Ward, describing one display of white and blue pottery from different parts of the world.
Rolling closures at TMA
In order to reimagine the museum space, most of the galleries will be closed by the end of the year.
Many spaces in the west wing are currently closed, and parts of the east wing will follow in the spring. In the fall, additional galleries will close, along with Libbey Court, which is the entrance area on the main floor.
The grand re-opening is set for 2027. Ward said there is no set date, but it likely will be later in the year.
These large closures allow other museum amenities including the seating, HVAC, and bathrooms to be updated along with the galleries, Ward said. As different parts of the museum close, the family center and art classes will remain open in the museum’s lower level.
The Glass Pavillion, located across Monroe Street facing the Toledo Museum of Art, will also stay open during renovations.
Grand reopening set for 2027
The grand reopening will showcase the major changes to the public. The galleries will reopen, along with the Cloister, and a French period room that has been off-view for more than 10 years.
There will also be a few surprises.
“You’re going to see a lot of your favorites back on view but then we’ve also been buying a lot of new art, so you’re going to see brand-new pieces that you’ve never seen before,” Gardner said.
Creating a new experience at this established favorite in the Glass City
For more information about the Toledo Museum of Art’s reimagining, click here.
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