Museum of Fine Arts Undergoing Renovation

One of downtown St. Petersburg's key attractions, the Museum of Fine Arts, is undergoing a major renovation. 

According to a news release from the museum, the renovation will redo the museum’s original galleries. 

“The Museum of Fine Arts has a terrific collection housed in a landmark building,” said Director Kent Lydecker in a news release. “We are restoring the luster of the galleries and the Marly Room to provide an unforgettable experience for our visitors.”

The renovations are scheduled to be finished in mid-September. 

According to the museum, the project will be completed in anticipated of its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2015. 

What is being renovated? According to the Museum of Fine Arts:

• "The Cyrus Fay Mackey and Howard Acheson Galleries adjacent to The Great Hall will now have wood floors, instead of carpeting, as will the Gary and Gail Damkoehler Gallery leading to the Conservatory. Blocking partitions will be removed or altered, offering open vistas from one space to the next and giving the art the space and attention it deserves. The art will have room to breathe—and to be enjoyed more fully.
• "Faded wall-coverings will be discarded and the walls painted with colors to enhance the style or era of the art on display. Windows facing Beach Drive will also be replaced with energy-efficient, storm-rated glass, encouraging visitors to look inside, day and night.
• "The elegant Marly Room, the concert/lecture hall added in 1974, will have a dramatic new look and personality. Hidden for most of the Museum’s history, a striking arched window at the back of the stage will be reopened. Restoration of this architectural highlight, in conjunction with the adjacent membership and sculpture gardens, will open up the Museum even more to its gorgeous setting. 
• "In addition, a new curtain and projection screen will be installed. The rare, early nineteenth-century Joseph Dufour wallpaper will be temporarily removed to art storage, pending conservation."