The Portland Museum of Art is proud to announce that it is changing its admission policy to offer free, unlimited admission to everyone age 21 and under beginning on April 11, 2018, opening the museum’s doors in perpetuity to teens and youth everywhere. The program is made possible through the vision and generosity of Susie Konkel, a leading philanthropist and advocate for youth in Maine and the region, and will include other benefits, all named in her honor as the Susie Konkel Pass.
All visitors age 21 and under will receive free admission automatically when they visit the PMA, but young people or their guardians can also increase their level of engagement by signing up for the Susie Konkel Pass, which will provide the holder opportunities to attend special events including select free screenings of PMA Films, ways to stay up to date on museum happenings, and more.
“I’m honored to work with the staff at the PMA to ensure that every child in the Maine community and throughout the world can feel the joy and wonder that comes from experiencing magnificent works of art,” shares Konkel. “It’s my hope that children, teens, and young adults alike will discover the many ways that art appreciation can enrich their lives, and also feel inspired and empowered to share their voices with the world. I’m incredibly gratified to help the PMA share its wonderful collection with children far and wide.”
The Susie Konkel Pass reflects the collective passion and dedication of the museum and Konkel to widely share the power of art to transform lives and offer all youth access to lasting arts experiences. Additionally, Konkel and the museum envision that removing admission costs will result in freedom at the PMA for young people and their families as a whole, including:
1. Freedom for teens and young adults to use the museum as a safe and inspirational hang-out spot, where they are always welcome, can enjoy arts experiences, and be themselves at any time.
2. Freedom for low-income families to explore the arts and culture in new and different ways, regardless of who they are, how they live, or the economic hurdles they face.
3. Freedom for college and university students to use the PMA as a place to study, relax, and engage with the community as young adults.
4. Freedom for new Mainers to immediately feel a part of their community, to feel represented and respected, and to express themselves in an inclusive environment.
5. Freedom for parents to have more opportunities to enrich their children’s lives, supplement their growth and education, and set them on the path for a lifetime of arts appreciation.
Each year, 11,000 visitors under the age of 21 visit the museum, either through existing relationships with the museum or by being charged admission. Buoyed by a nearly 20% increase in website traffic for visitors ages 18-24 over the past two years, an redesigned Winslow Homer High School Fellow program, Teen Nights at the museum, and collaborations with MECA and USM, the PMA began thinking about a new way to deepen the engagement of young adults.
Susie Konkel had long seen the PMA as a place to reset and recharge, and with the successful completion of Your Museum, Reimagined over this same time period, she was encouraged by the increasingly diverse base of visitors looking to the PMA as a cultural center that reflects their values and lifestyles, and serves their communities.
The PMA’s commitment to broadening its audiences and the people it serves has been a top priority in recent years, and the Susie Konkel Pass is a natural step in that progression. The museum has been looking to build upon a growing Family-level membership base, new family programs, and special events for children, and by offering free admission to all visitors 21 and under, the Susie Konkel Pass becomes the most recent of other transformative moments, programs, and events at the museum including Art for All, Free Fridays, 2017’s Your Museum, Reimagined and Lights Across Congress, and 2018’s Art in Bloom. Together, the PMA and Konkel hope to establish the PMA as an indispensable resource for future generations.
PMA BACKGROUND
With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is the cultural heart of Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special events, Free School Tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Films, curator talks, and exclusive tours of the Winslow Homer Studio—it’s all happening at the PMA.
The museum is located at Seven Congress Square in downtown Portland.
Summer Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Winter Hours: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students with I.D.
There is always free admission for everyone age 21 and under, provided by the generosity of Susie Konkel.
Admission is free for all, every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
No admission is required to visit the PMA Café and PMA Store.
Winslow Homer Studio tours are available by reservation. For more information, call (207) 775-6148 or visit portlandmuseum.org.
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