Rose to Rebloom for 50th Anniversary

copyright 2008 Claes Oldenburg

The Rose Art Museum closed its doors over the summer to undergo major renovations in preparation for the museum’s 50th anniversary this fall.

As of late spring, Director of Museum Operations Roy Dawes was laying the groundwork for an exhibition that will draw on paintings created during the museum’s first year of existence (1961 –62) and will highlight some of the Rose’s significant acquisitions over its first half-century. The anniversary show, as yet untitled, is slated to open in October.

According to Vice President for Planning and Institutional Research Dan Feldman, the renovation project will enhance the main entrance area and an adjacent gallery, improve energy efficiency and provide a better physical environment for works of art. The renovation is being funded through a generous gift from Sandra and Gerald S. Fineberg.

Calling the planned overhaul “absolutely terrific,” Dawes says, “The cleanliness of the lines will enhance the space and our ability to display artwork. The circulation of viewers through the space will be greatly improved, and new display opportunities will be created.”