The Toledo Museum of Art has begun its most extensive renovation project in 40 years, with ambitious plans to modernize galleries, enhance accessibility, and completely transform the visitor experience. The comprehensive upgrade represents a transformational phase for the 113-year-old institution, according to museum leadership.
Adam Levine, Executive Director of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), emphasized the scope and significance of the project. "By the time it's done, the Toledo Museum of Art will be the model museum in the United States. Our visitors will love it," Levine stated. He explained that while the historic museum building has undergone periodic updates over the years, this upcoming phase is expected to be truly transformational in nature.
The renovation will completely overhaul the appearance of the galleries and reorganize the museum's artwork collection chronologically, spanning from antiquity to the modern era. "We love our museum, but there's a real opportunity to upgrade some of the appearance of the galleries. It will be so much more comfortable, it will be so much more accessible," Levine said. The director emphasized that the improvements will significantly enhance both comfort and accessibility for all visitors.
The timing of this major renovation is driven by practical necessity. The museum's heating and cooling system has reached the end of its operational life, making gallery closures unavoidable. Museum leadership decided to capitalize on this situation by tackling all necessary upgrades simultaneously. "It's so much more efficient both in terms of time, but also in terms of monetary resources to do all this when the galleries have to be closed anyway," Levine explained. "It's like renovating a room in your house. It's a bit painful, but when it's done you're so happy that you've done it."
Despite the extensive renovation work, museum officials have assured the public that the Toledo Museum of Art will remain open throughout the entire construction period. However, some notable spaces, including The Great Gallery, will remain closed until the grand reopening scheduled for 2027. "Some of the galleries on this side of the building will close in phases," Levine noted. "There will be a short period of time in 2027 when the galleries in the Beaux Arts building will be closed. But the Education Wing will remain open. The Glass Pavilion will remain open. So there will always be open galleries and fun experiences at the museum."
Several specific gallery areas are scheduled to be closed for the entire duration of the renovation project. Galleries 22-27, which feature Dutch and French Baroque and Rococo paintings and sculptures, will be temporarily inaccessible to visitors. Additionally, Galleries 32-33, showcasing European art, and Gallery 34, which displays selections from the museum's jewelry collection, will also be closed during construction.
However, numerous areas and attractions will remain fully operational during the renovation period. The Glass Pavilion will continue to welcome visitors, along with the Classic Court, Wolfe Gallery, and Galleries 1, 4, 6, 7, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 35. Essential visitor services will be maintained, including the TMA Café, TMA Store, and Library. The Family Center and Education Wing will remain accessible, ensuring educational programs can continue uninterrupted.
All museum entrances, elevators, and restrooms will remain fully functional throughout the construction period. One of the museum's most popular attractions, the daily glassblowing demonstrations, will continue as scheduled, providing visitors with ongoing entertainment and educational opportunities during the renovation.
The museum has provided detailed information about the renovation timeline and specific gallery closures on its official website. This comprehensive renovation project represents the most significant investment in the Toledo Museum of Art's infrastructure and visitor experience in four decades, positioning the institution as a leading cultural destination for years to come.
