Fenimore Art Museum Set to Reopen to the Public on Friday, July 3

Posted

With the area several days into the final phase of New York State’s regionally-focused reopening plan, Fenimore Art Museum is set to open its doors to the public on Friday, July 3. Hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays) with reduced admission rates for all ages–making a visit even more enjoyable. Museum members receive special early access on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1–2.

Over the past several weeks, Fenimore developed a comprehensive safety plan in accordance with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State. The plans and final preparations were reviewed by a team from Bassett Healthcare to ensure all procedures and safeguards meet or exceed the recommended standards of cleanliness, social distancing and reduced contact for both visitors and staff.

“With approved plans and all safeguards fully in place, we now look forward to welcoming visitors back to Cooperstown to enjoy the beauty of our museums and community,” said Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, President and CEO of Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum. “Safety is our top priority. When visitors see our exhibitions at Fenimore or walk through the grounds at The Farmers’ Museum, we want them to know that we have done everything imaginable to make their visit a safe and enjoyable one.”

Per New York State guidelines, face masks or coverings are required inside Fenimore for visitors age 2 and over. Free single-use masks will be available at the entrances for visitors who arrive without. Face masks or coverings are also required while outdoors on museum grounds in high traffic areas where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained. Visitors who are not part of the same household should stay socially distanced at all times.

Fenimore has determined its maximum guest capacity. Visitor numbers will be monitored through the day to allow for adequate social distancing inside the museum.

Directional markers have been added to museum spaces, along with signage reminding visitors of safety procedures. Several hand sanitizing stations have also been placed throughout the museum.

Employees will be given a health screening assessment each day upon arrival.

At Fenimore Art Museum

Fenimore Art Museum opens with six exhibitions including Blue Gardens: Photographs by Gross and DaleyHamilton’s Final Act: Enemies and Allies; Prismatic Beauty: American People and American Art; and Elegant Line/Powerful Shape: Elements of Native American Art. Alongside are Fenimore’s impressive collections of fine art, folk art, and Native American art–on view throughout the year. These collections include The Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, which was exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2017. This widely respected collection celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary this season.

In September, see the works of Renaissance master printmaker Albrecht Dürer in Albrecht Durer: Master Prints (September 19–December 31) and photographs from well-known White House photographer Pete Souza in Pete Souza: Two Presidents, One Photographer (September 5–December 31).

Due to the pandemic, the Museum has rescheduled three of its major exhibitions which will now be presented during the 2021 season. These include Keith Haring: Radiant VisionManzanar: The Wartime Photographs of Ansel Adams, and The World of Jan Brett. These exhibitions represented the core of the Museum’s 2020 season and are now expected to draw large numbers to the area next spring and summer. The exact dates of the exhibitions will be released later in the year.

Currently, all Fenimore Art Museum programs and events have been canceled through August 31. In their place, a full schedule of virtual programs is being presented throughout the summer.

Follow Fenimore Art Museum on Instagram and Facebook or sign up for e-newsletters to keep up with the latest information–or visit FenimoreArt.org.

Hours and Information: Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m, Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays) with reduced admission rates: Adults and Seniors (13 and up): $10; and Children (12 and under): Free. Tickets can be purchased at the door upon arrival. Admission is always free for museum members, active military, and retired career military personnel. Museum members receive special early access on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1–2, from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The Fenimore Art Museum Shop is open with limited access. The Fenimore Café is closed, but guests can still enjoy our garden terrace overlooking Otsego Lake. Bottled drinks and pre-packaged snacks can be purchased in the museum shop.