Cummer staff installing a Robert Henri painting in the Lane Gallery
Q: There have been a lot of changes to the permanent collection galleries in the past few years. What’s going on?
A: In the past few years, The Cummer has had the opportunity to renovate all of the permanent collection galleries. Sometimes, the galleries kept the same period or theme after renovation, while others, like the Schultz and Haskell Galleries, received a new focus.
Preparator Mark Warren installs the Cummer portraits in the Tudor Room
The Cummer is fortunate to own many more works of art than gallery space allows us to show! Therefore, every so often, staff likes to ‘rotate’ works in the permanent collection, taking some works off display to ‘rest’ and putting new pieces on display.
When we change the works of art in the permanent galleries, or even just move them around in the same space, we are often told that visitors “see” something for the first time, even if they’ve seen it a hundred times. It is amazing what a new location or a new wall color can do for your eye.
Meissen porcelain being moved during the Lovett Gallery Renovation
Although we understand some visitor favorites are removed on occassion, we hope our visitors will be introduced to new favorites after a renovation.
Come see us in early August as we unveil the renovations to the Semmes and Stein Galleries!
