After closing for an extensive nearly two-year renovation, the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston’s premier art museum, announced that it will reopen its doors to the public on May 28, 2016. The 111-year-old museum houses a premier collection of more than 10,000 works telling the story of American art. In addition to an innovative new layout with free ground floor admission, the museum unveiled a new logo that features a fresh take on the Gibbes name and its landmark architectural feature—the century-old Tiffany-style rotunda dome.
In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibitions, the Gibbes will showcase two special exhibitions upon its opening:
- The Things We Carry: Contemporary Art in the South, scheduled for May 28 to October 9, 2016, is organized in response to the horrific Emanuel AME Church shooting and will address the difficult history of the South and how it manifests today. The artists for this exhibition were selected from the list of past finalists and winners of the 1858 Prize for Contemporary Southern Art.
- Beyond Catfish Row: The Art of Porgy and Bess will present several interpretations of Porgy and Bess created by visual artists through the years, including works by George Biddle, the original illustrator of the Porgy and Bess libretto in 1935, and renowned contemporary artist Kara Walker, the illustrator of the 2013 version of the libretto. This special exhibit coincides with Spoleto Festival USA, which will feature a special production of Porgy and Bess with set and costumes visually designed by artist Jonathan Green.
Learn More About The Renovation and Exhibits.
