Once again, the Illinois State Museum is closed, but this time only temporarily, unlike the shut-down implemented by former Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2015. This time much-needed plumbing work, as well as asbestos removal, has required ISM to close its doors. Currently, it is expected that the museum will be closed for three months.
Staff moved into the museum's Research and Collection Center on Ash Street as of Aug. 1. Items in the museum were carefully packed up and safely stored to protect them from any damage due to construction pounding and drilling.
Museum staff and the Museum Society are working on providing exhibits and activities during the closure.
At the Dana-Thomas House, 301 E. Lawrence Ave, the museum's "Noir" exhibit, featuring artwork by Black artists, is on display through Labor Day weekend. It is a bit unusual to see artwork in the Frank Lloyd Wright home, as he demanded that no art should be hung on walls. No tour reservations are needed to walk through the house. It is open Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon, and Friday 5-7 p.m.
The Museum Society's field trip and lecture series, Planes, Trains, and Etcetera-Mobiles, will continue for its members through the end of the year. Open to society members, a tour of the Springfield Mass Transit District will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27. For more details, contact Kate Suits ([email protected]).
Items from the museum gift shop can be ordered online, and local pick up will be available.
Visit the ISM website (illinoisstatemuseum.org) for updates throughout the fall as more programs and activities are scheduled.
The Dickson Mounds site in Lewistown is also part of the ISM. Due to storm damage, it will be temporarily closed for roof repairs.
Cinda Ackerman Klickna often takes her grandchildren to the museum, and they are already asking when they can go back to "drive" the jeep in the play area.
