The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is hitting the pause button on its main attraction, but don’t think for a second that means you'll miss out on its treasure trove of art, history, and science. Due to a much-needed plumbing overhaul - which yes, includes the less-than-enviable task of asbestos removal - the museum's doors will be shut starting Aug. 1. But instead of taking a three-month siesta, the staff are rolling up their sleeves and playing show-and-tell with the community. The expected wrap-up date? Three months from now, according to a statement from the Illinois State Museum.
Meanwhile, the museum's artifacts at risk of construction damage have been tucked away safely, or so they promise. Museum employees, who usually clock in at the flagship, are transplanting their day-to-day to the Research and Collections Center. But you can't keep a good institution down; the museum’s staff aren’t just chilling at their new digs, they're hitting the road for a series of community programs and exhibits to fill the cultural gap.
If you're in Illinois and hankering for a dose of culture, fear not – the Illinois State Museum is popping up all over. From taking over a spot at the First Lady's Tent during the Illinois State Fair Aug. 8-18, to setting up shop at alternate venues such as Vinegar Hill Mall and Lincoln Library, they're not hard to find. As Jenn Edginton, acting director of the Museum, poetically put it, "While we are sad to close the Illinois State Museum for a few months, we're excited about the improvements to the building and thrilled for the opportunity to serve the community through special programming and events."
And serve they will – the museum is unleashing a smorgasbord of intellectual offerings like Taste of ISM, Fine Art Fridays, and something for the educators with a Book Club promising professional development credits. The action isn't confined to a single location either, enthusiasts are wise to huddle at places like the Henson-Robinson Zoo or the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site for their fix of Illinois State Museum enlightenment. The full schedule is a button-click away on their community calendar.
