The Bayly Art Museum is kicking off the new academic year with a new name and big plans for the future.
Museum director Jill Hartz said the museum has gone back to its original name, the University of Virginia Art Museum.
The museum is housed in the Thomas H. Bayly building and eventually became known as the Bayly Art Museum. The building bears the name of the father of Evelyn May Bayly Tiffany, who provided most of its construction funding.
The name change is the first step in the museum's underlying plan to construct a 41,000-square-foot-facility above Lambeth Field and along the Colonnade in the proposed Arts Precinct.
"We are currently making ourselves attractive for funds," Hartz said. "The name of the museum could change again to reflect a major gift."
Hartz said the museum is still raising funds for the $30 million project and hopes to receive a few major gifts by June 2002. Once funds are in hand, the museum's addition will open about three years later.
According to Hartz, about 30,000 people visit the 16,000-square-foot museum annually, including about 5,000 school-aged children. The museum's limited space forces it to keep most of its collection in storage. The more roomy proposed facility will display a larger selection of the museum's collections, feature visiting exhibits and provide more educational resources for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The museum now allows University students who are part of the museum's docent program to act as tour guides for K-12 students. The new facility will expand such services.
"The new trend in museums is a hands-on approach for children," said third-year Education student Jennifer Kalletta, who works as a docent.
The future museum will also offer more amenities for visitors, including a cafe and shop.
The museum facility is just one of many transformations that the University of Virginia Arts Campaign plans to undertake. The Arts Campaign has much in store for the art, music and drama departments, including a new studio art building and academic music building to be located near Culbreth Theatre. A new Culbreth parking garage and the renovation of Fayerweather Hall are also possibilities.
As for the new museum, Hartz said it will provide better service to the community and the University. "It will make a big impact culturally and educationally"
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