Kimbell Art Museum to celebrate 50 years with weeklong festivities, free admission

Megan Cardona

The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth will celebrate its 50th anniversary the first week of October with free admission to its special exhibition, architecture tours, film screenings and a family festival for the public to enjoy.

The Kimbell’s current special exhibition is Murillo: From Heaven to Earth, which runs until Jan. 29, will be open for free admission from Oct. 4-8.

Kimbell members who attend will be able to receive a different commemorative gift each day of the festivities while supplies last.

Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum, said he is delighted to celebrate the 50 year milestone with the Fort Worth community.

“An icon from its start, the Kimbell has come to represent a high standard of excellence that is reflected in our collections, exhibitions, architecture and programs,” Lee said in a statement. “Our anniversary celebrations are designed with and for the members of our diverse community—whose continued support over the last half century has contributed to making the museum the renowned institution it is today.”

Kimbell Art Museum director Eric Lee, in the museum’s Piano Pavilion, participated in Friday’s meeting.
Kimbell Art Museum director Eric Lee, in the museum’s Piano Pavilion, participated in Friday’s meeting.

Here is the schedule for the anniversary week festivities:

October 4

When: Noon to 5 p.m.

The week begins with a free reception and the opening of “The Kimbell at 50” special exhibition, which will include archival materials and photographs documenting the museum’s founding.

Birthday cake will be served in the Kahn west lobby at noon.

October 5

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guided architecture tours start at 11 a.m. in the Piano Pavilion. The guided tours are free and do not need a reservation to attend.

A free, open studio called Kimbell Details: Watercolor Paintings will be available to guests of all ages from 1 to 3 p.m. in the education studios, located in the Piano Pavilion.

Catch a free film screening in the Kahn Auditorium from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Films include:

  • Louis Kahn: Silence and Light

  • Architectures: Exeter’s Library of Louis Kahn

  • Kimbell Year One

  • Kimbell Year Ten

  • Kimbell at 40

Louis Kahn in the auditorium of the Kimbell Art Museum, 1972
Louis Kahn in the auditorium of the Kimbell Art Museum, 1972

October 6

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guided architecture tours start at 11 a.m. in the Piano Pavilion.

All ages are welcome to participate in the Trick or Treasure: Book Making open studio from 1 to 3 p.m. in the education studios, located in the Piano Pavilion.

Free film screenings in the Kahn Auditorium from 1 to 4:45 p.m. will include:

  • Renzo Piano: The Architect of Light

  • Renzo Piano: Work in Progress

  • Renzo Piano: Piece by Piece

  • Architectures: The Georges Pompidou Centre

October 7

When: 4 to 7 p.m.

Wind down the week with live music by the Allegro Guitar Society and a half-priced happy hour in the Louis I. Kahn Building.

Educators can register for a free special teacher program celebrating 50 years of museum education with happy hour drink vouchers and studio time with a guest artist from 5 to 7 p.m. Registration for this event is available on the Kimbell’s website calendar.

October 8

When: 1 to 7 p.m.

End the 50th anniversary celebrations with the Kimbell’s Family Festival, a free family-friendly event with activities, films, performers and light refreshments.

Performances by local musical group Cotinga and R&B and soul singer Abraham Alexander will be held on the Kimbell great lawn main stage starting at 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required for this free event and can be made using the Kimbell’s website calendar.

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