The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Celebrates Major Expansion in Florida

Grand Opening of the New Expansion at The AGB

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB), located at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, is set to unveil a remarkable expansion that has been over thirty years in the making. This new 14,000-square-foot addition will officially open its doors to museum members on January 16, 2025, and to the broader community on January 18, 2025.

This expansion is a significant step forward for The AGB, as it nearly triples the museum's existing exhibition space. Originally built in 1988, the museum will now feature seven new galleries, enhanced educational facilities, and a new creativity lab, ensuring a richer experience for all visitors. Thanks to this ambitious project, the museum will be able to display a greater portion of its impressive 3,400-piece permanent collection and host a wider array of high-quality exhibitions.

Dr. Anne Kerr, President Emerita of Florida Southern College, expressed her pride in the project, stating, "This project reflects the realization of the dreams of many individuals in our community and at Florida Southern College to establish a world-class museum." The museum's prestigious status as a Smithsonian Affiliate allows it to showcase unique exhibitions that are not available elsewhere, placing it among a select group of museums across the nation that serve both community and academic purposes.

The expansion promises to offer a diverse range of exhibits that appeal to various audiences. For instance, attendees can look forward to features such as "Hair Newton: The Rise of the Highwaymen," which highlights Florida's landscape artists, and "Rodin at The AGB," showcasing iconic sculptures from the renowned sculptor. Additionally, art lovers will encounter exhibitions like "American Art Since the 1960s" and the highly anticipated "Warhol Condensed: From Marilyn to Soup and Back Again," presenting works from one of the leading figures in modern art.

Dr. H. Alexander Rich, the Executive Director and Chief Curator, spoke about the collaborative effort involved in the expansion, highlighting the contributions from donors, construction teams, and museum staff. He emphasized that this event marks a transformative moment, providing an exceptional platform for accessible learning and positioning the museum as a leading cultural hub in the region, state, and nation.

The architectural design, crafted by Straughn Trout Architects, stays true to the museum's original aesthetics while integrating a modern flair that respects the history of the space. The expansion includes numerous exhibitions, adding depth to the museum's role as a central place for art education and appreciation. Featured exhibitions will include "Above All, Enjoy The Music: Photographs by Herman Leonard" and "Before & After: Giulio Carpioni's Four Seasons of Man," among others.

Lynda Buck, President of the Board of Trustees, shared her excitement about the expansion, stating, "This expansion has been a dream for many years, and it will allow us to better serve our community and share our love of art with a wider audience." Since becoming affiliated with Florida Southern College in 2017, the museum has evolved significantly and is committed to continuing its mission of providing engaging art experiences.

Florida Southern College President, Dr. Jeremy Martin, echoed this sentiment, stating that the doubling of the exhibition space will significantly enhance the museum's capacity to serve free-admission visitors, especially schoolchildren and college students studying art history and museum studies. He emphasized the importance of community support in making this ambitious project a reality.

As the AGB prepares for its grand unveiling, the community looks forward to experiencing a revitalized venue that will make art and culture more accessible than ever. The museum, with its commitment to lifelong learning and reflection through art, stands as a beacon of creative expression for the people of Central Florida.

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art will continue to operate under its hours of Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM, providing free admission thanks to the generosity of its partners. Visitors are encouraged to explore this newly expanded hub of art and culture while engaging with diverse exhibitions and educational programs that promise to ignite creativity and inspiration.