Press Release

TUCSON, ARIZONA (May 25, 2017) – Galleries at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block will close for renovation and expansion this summer, but it shouldn’t keep anyone away from the many activities planned for families and art enthusiasts.

The last day to visit the galleries will be July 9, after which they will close until mid-October for renovation and remodeling. During this time, the historic properties at the museum will be open with no admission charge. Free tours can be arranged.

“We’re extremely excited about the renovation project,” said Jeremy Mikolajczak, chief executive officer of the Tucson Museum of Art. “These improvements will increase opportunities for individuals and families to experience art, history, and culture at the museum. This summer provides the occasion for visitors to become familiar with the historic properties and other activities on the TMA campus that are part of what we do all year long.”

Movies, music, food, drink and more will be a regular thing at TMA this summer with a series of events for the whole family.

Thursdays will be busy throughout the summer with Cinema La Placita making its debut in the museum plaza with screenings of classic films through August 24. The weekly shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3 which includes a seat and popcorn. Attendees can bring their own picnics and chairs. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Free First Thursdays will provide a variety of activities. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum is open with free admission from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to enjoy Happy Hour in the lobby, meet featured artists, and explore the museum. June’s Free First Thursday will feature poet Farid Matuk who will use writing prompts, readings and gallery exploration to examine how language paints a picture.

On July 6, Free First Thursday will be a celebration of the Fourth of July. The museum’s “Surf’s Up!” summer celebration will include music, food, drink, beach games and other museum activities. There will be food trucks, local beer vendors, volleyball and cornhole games, and music by R&P Music Factory.

The Free First Thursday on August 3 will bring Geeks Who Drink, a national pub trivia game, to host a trivia night where winners of contests can take home TMA swag and win memberships and free passes. The bar will open at 5 p.m. with trivia contests starting at 6 p.m.

On September 7, the TMA’s Historic Block will be on display with free tours of the Edward Nye Fish House, the J. Knox Corbett House and Casa Cordova. There will be live music on the porch of the Corbett House. Food, a cash bar, and a DJ will be set up on the museum plaza.

Second SundAZe presented by The Stonewall Foundation is Family Day at the museum and features free admission for Arizona and Sonora, Mexico residents every second Sunday of the month. In addition to free admission, the Museum will host drop-in art-making activities for all ages. June’s Second SundAZe activities will focus on the craft of wearable art. There will be demonstrations and hands-on activities led by members of the Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild from noon to 5 p.m. Subsequent SundAZe will feature art-making activities focused on shapes, our desert environment, food and art, and color. Visit the museum’s website for more information.