Move comes in response to evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns
In response to the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) recommendations, Louis Grachos, JoAnn McGrath Executive Director/CEO of Palm Springs Art Museum, has announced that after an emergency meeting of the executive committee of its board of trustees, the decision has been made to temporarily close the museum to the public as of 5:00 p.m. today, March 13, 2020.
“While we are not aware of any staff, volunteers, or visitors who have contracted the virus, our highest priority is their wellbeing and safety,” says Grachos. “Although over the past two weeks we have increased on-site sanitizers and cleaning procedures, suspended staff travel, cancelled programs, and advocated social distancing, we now feel it is prudent to suspend operations temporarily.”
The decision comes in accordance with guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health which the museum has been following closely. Since the virus has now been declared a pandemic and the museum is a community gathering place for people of all ages, the determination to temporarily close has been made to ensure the safety of the public at large.
This temporary closure includes Palm Springs Art Museum, Annenberg Theater, Persimmon Bistro & Wine Bar, as well as Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, and The Galen in Palm Desert. The Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden at our Palm Desert location will remain open and free to the public.
The museum will be providing updates to members, the media, and the general public through the website and email communications.
For more information about Palm Springs Art Museum exhibitions, programs, and events, please visit psmuseum.org or call (760) 322-4800.
Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley and includes three locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The flagship building, located in downtown Palm Springs, features compelling art exhibitions, a vast permanent collection, and the Annenberg Theater, all in a 150,000-square-foot, architecturally significant building. The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, features exhibitions and programming that explore the rich topics of architecture and design. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert occupies The Galen, an 8,400-square-foot, Silver LEED–certified building, and features rotating exhibitions and special collections. The Galen is surrounded by the four-acre Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden.
