The Tampa Museum of Art has plans to reopen to the public on June 1, and it’s making the galleries accessible to folks whose top priorities might not currently include browsing art.
As part of the Museums for All program, anyone receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) gets free admission by simply showing their EBT card at the ticketing desk. In a press release, Michael Tomor, TMA’s Executive Director, said, “With many in our community in need, we want to make sure our programs are easily available and accessible to everyone.”
Nina Contreras Womeldurf, TMA Director of Marketing and Communications, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the museum has no end date in mind for the Museums for All initiatiev.
“We want to keep it as a permanent feature if sponsorship funding continues to be available,” Womeldurf told CL.
The release added that anyone looking to visit the museum—located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa—is encouraged to visit tampamuseum.org and reserve an arrival time since social distancing and limited capacity will be in effect along with other safety measures like required masks for frontline staff (guests are also encouraged, no required, to wear masks).
Womeldurf also told CL that total museum capacity is 900 in normal times, but that the facility is only allowing 50 people in each of its galleries at one time in accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Full Phase One” reopening strategy that asks for 50% occupancy.
“Now, if the governor changes the policy in between now and June 1, we will make the necessary adjustments,” Womeldurf, added.
If you’re hungry, know that the Riverwalk Cafe at the TMA is open starting May 30. All food will be served in sealable and recyclable to-go containers from the grab-and-go menu until further notice, according to the release.
“Still, guests are welcome to enjoy their meals at the Museum’s indoor/outdoor dining area, with tables spaced apart for safe social distancing,” the release said.
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2020.
