DENVER (CBS4) – The Denver Art Museum will reopen Wednesday for members and welcome back the general public Friday since it closed more than three months ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new exhibition called “Norman Rockwell: Imagining Freedom” will also open on Friday showcasing the artist’s work on depicting freedom as well as modern interpretations of similar themes.
“We couldn’t have imagined how poignant it would be at this moment at time,” said Andrea Fulton, deputy director and chief marketing officer for the Denver Art Museum. “It’s a show that really explores the role of illustration and artwork at a key point in our history in the 1930s to 1960s.”
While the museum was closed, staff had to maintain the facilities and secure their collections while also preparing to open this exhibition. Construction has also continued on the expansion and renovation of the site north of the museum.
Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance online, capacity is limited to 25% with timed entry for guests. Some tickets can be purchased across from the main entrance depending on availability.
One entrance and one exit will control the flow of people and help encourage social distancing inside.
“When you come in, we ask that everyone have their mask on,” Fulton told CBS4 on Tuesday. “We are installing a series of graphics around the museum and signage designed to help keep people safe and help them understand how to move about the museum.”
The exhibition focuses on Rockwell’s work during the 1940s responding to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms. Artists were called upon by the government at the time to help build support and rally the country leading up to World War II. Roosevelt gave a speech in 1941 on the four versions including Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.
