Bennington Museum, a major cultural attraction in the region, is welcoming back visitors beginning on July 3. “We are very happy to be able to welcome back visitors to Bennington Museum in a controlled and limited way to help ensure the safety of visitors and staff. I personally look forward to seeing guests in our galleries, as well as on the George Aiken Wildflower Trail and the rest of our grounds which will soon to be augmented with several sculptures created by various local artists,” states Joshua Campbell Torrance, executive director.

 

Starting on July 3, the new hours for the galleries and the Museum Store at Bennington Museum are Saturday through Monday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Friday from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. “With people beginning to return to work and stay-at-home orders being somewhat relaxed, the Museum is happy to present the opportunity for all people to visit. The new hours allow those who work varying shifts to visit; something we have been considering for a while,” states Torrance. They also allow the Museum to conduct a daily deep cleaning prior to opening. At this time the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse and the Museum’s Research Library are to remain closed. Research inquiries can still be submitted online to the Collections Manager, Callie Raspuzzi.

 

“We understand that it is difficult for many people to step back into their “normal” patterns of visiting cultural organizations and stepping out in general. So we have put in place a number of safety protocols, to ensure a safe environment. However, we will need visitors to also be proactive in keeping safe as well,” says Torrance. The safety protocols have been informed by the scientific and medical community, CDC and state officials.

 

First and foremost, all visitors ages 2 and older must wear face coverings over their nose and mouth and are encouraged to bring their own. If visitors don’t have their own coverings, the Museum Store has created Jane Stickle Quilt coverings that are for sale if needed. Additionally, upon arrival all visitors will have their temperature checked and those with a temperature of over 100 will be asked to return another day. If you are not feeling well or believe you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, we ask that you visit at another time. Hand sanitizing stations are being made available throughout the Museum and visitors are encouraged to use them often. Required signage and distance markers are being posted at the entrance to the Museum to help appropriately space any queue that forms, and occupancy limits can be found at the entrance of each gallery to ensure proper social distancing. Please maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other visitors who are not in your family, as well as staff. Credit and Debit Cards are the only form of payment for admission and store purchases. Each morning, all hard surfaces including door handles, counter tops, and washrooms are being thoroughly cleaned as well as being wiped down throughout the day.

 

These COVID policies can also be found on the VISIT page of the Museum’s website.

 
EXHIBITIONS FOR YOU AND BY YOU
Bennington Museum is pleased to extend three engaging installations through November 3rd:
·      (re)Sounding

 

Two additional exhibitions will be added this summer, replacing Love, Marriage, & Divorce, and Robert Frost: At Present in Vermont which are both being postponed.

 
The Museum is engaging its constituents by asking the public to choose their favorite seldom seen objects in the Museum’s collection to be included in the People’s Choice Exhibition. Five categories are being offered including Military and Patriotic, Familiar Scenery, Favorite People, Favorite Household Stuff, and Fun Stuff. Go to Upcoming Exhibitions on the Museum’s website and make your selection. “The delay of the installation of the planned Robert Frost exhibition has presented a unique opportunity for us to display some wonderful items from our collection of over 40,000 objects. It is your chance to get a look inside the vast holdings of Bennington Museum,” states Torrance. This exhibit is scheduled to open on July 3rd and will run through November 3rd.

 

NBOSS at the Museum
This summer Bennington Museum will also present an outdoor showing of 3-D works throughout the 10-acre campus in collaboration with the 23rd North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show (NBOSS) curated by Joe Chirchirillo. These sculptures will be in place by July 3rd and present a great opportunity for a safe, spatially distant, cultural experience.

 

About the Museum
Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main Street (Route 9), Bennington, in The Shires of Vermont. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. Regular admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students over 18. A discounted admission of $6 (half-off) is being charged for anyone who presents a receipt of a takeout order from a local restaurant or purchase from other downtown business. Admission is never charged for younger students, museum members, or to visit the museum store. Visit the museum’s website benningtonmuseum.org or call 802-447-1571 for more information.