Springfield Art Museum starts moving into new home

SPRINGFIELD- The Springfield Art Museum closed four months ago, ahead of its three-year expansion and renovation project. 

The museum is getting creative to keep the arts alive in the meantime. 
“The mission of the museum is to foster creativity and inspire wonder, and we can't do that if we just stop all work,” Nicole Chilton, the museum's communications specialist said. 

 For nearly the last century, the Springfield Art Museum has supported artistry and education here in the Ozarks. Chilton says that's what they'll continue do in the temporary space.  

“We have officially moved everything out of the Springfield Art Museum and are in the transition stage to opening up our temporary location downtown at the Wilhoit plaza,” Chilton said.  

The art museum originally displayed artwork at the E.M. Wilhoit building in 1929.  

“This building has a lot of great history, so it's exciting that we get to be inspired by the, you know, the people that made this all happen at the beginning,” Chilton said. 

For its 100th year celebration in 2028, a newly renovated building including classrooms, expanded galleries, lounges and an upgraded HVAC system will be unveiled.  

“Groundbreaking will start in the early 2025,” Chilton said. “Just watching the museum grow and grow with the community and see how the community supports it as well as always, been a thrill.” 

Just last week, the museum received a 100-thousand-dollar grant from the Musgrave Capital Campaign for Expansion and Renovation, which will go to the museums capital funding.  

“We've had success with private and public funding,” Chilton said. “There's still a little bit of a stretch to go, but we're on our way.” 

Since space in the Wilhoit building is limited, public access will also be limited.  

“This will be the space where our administrative offices are and our education classes and workshops and studio times,” Chilton said. “So, it won't be as available to the public. It'll be more by class and appointment only.” 

The art museum is planning to have their grand opening during the first Friday Art Walk on February 7th.