Members of the public will not be able to visit the Pratt Museum for roughly eight months while it undergoes building renovations. According to a press release, the museum will close in early September and reopen in early May of 2019. The museum is installing ramps and hydraulic lifts in order to become more accessible. It also plans to construct a new collections department and upgrade the building system, among other improvements.
Multiple groups are funding the upgrade, including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Alaska, the Wynn Foundation and Patrons of the Pratt Society.
The museum is holding an informal presentation on the closure on August 22. Staff will discuss the scope of the renovation, tour and school groups and the museum’s winter schedule. Museum staff will continue to be available during the closure, and its offices will remain open.
The Pratt will also hold a rummage sale and celebration, called the “Half-Century Social” on September 2. The Pratt will close temporarily to the public beginning on September 5.
