Tours, workshops, yoga and more: New Palmer Museum of Art offers full slate of summer events

The Palmer Museum of Art’s revamped location near Penn State’s arboretum is putting a fresh spin on how art can help visitors connect with the world around them — and it’s inviting residents across Centre County to join in on the fun all summer long.

The 73,000-square-foot space will open its doors to the public Saturday, giving guests a first look at all the new location has to offer. In addition to three special exhibitions and 15 permanent galleries, the museum will also debut several new education spaces, including an exploration lounge, studio classroom, terrace and object study room.

Opening festivities at the museum are from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, with guided tours departing from the lobby every 30 minutes. Guided tours of the Arboretum at Penn State are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Other activities include stations to make paper sunflowers, famous artist impersonators and more.

After opening weekend, the summer months are filled with scheduled gallery talks, creative workshops, camps and classes targeted at all ages and skill levels. From sneaker painting to yoga to a six-week outdoor painting course, there’s something lined up for everyone.

“We think of ourselves as a place where discussion happens, where learning happens, where curiosity happens,” Assistant Director Joyce Robinson said Wednesday during a media tour. “We want everyone to feel welcome and to see themselves here.”

To make this task easier, the Palmer Museum of Art’s reopening will come with a new, more accessible set of hours. For the first time in its 50-year history, the museum will be open until 8 p.m. every Thursday, opening the door to more visitors and the opportunity to host evening events. The museum will also enforce quiet hours for part of the day on June 12, June 28, July 7, July 19 and Aug. 21 for guests who prefer a calmer experience.

Downtown State College will also get in on the celebration, with free bus shuttles from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, stopping at 204 W. Beaver Ave. and the new museum. The Palmer Museum Opening Downtown Celebration also includes live music at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza stage from 5-7:30 p.m., along with other activities at the plaza.

To keep busy through August, here are some ways to spend the summer taking advantage of the Palmer Museum of Art’s upcoming programs:

Take a tour

If you’re looking for in-depth exploration of the Palmer Museum of Art’s 20 galleries and 11,000 pieces of art, who better to walk you through it then one of the museum’s trained tour guides? This opportunity not only allows visitors to experience the museum’s diverse permanent collections — a group that includes paintings, sculptures, glass, ceramics and other mediums — but also introduces them to two new special exhibitions. “Made in PA” and “Made in PA on Paper” highlight the work of Pennsylvania natives and long-time residents, including some recent Penn State grads.

The museum will host 17 “Meet the Museum” drop-in tours throughout the summer, in addition to a special “Pride at the Palmer” tour June 6 focused on work by LGBTQ+ artists. Groups can also schedule private guided tours beginning in July.

Yoga sessions

An unexpected perk of the Palmer Museum of Art’s new spacious, brightly lit galleries is the ability to take a yoga class while simultaneously admiring priceless pieces of art. For a meditative experience like no other, drop in for a yoga class Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Classes are limited to 20 participants, so register in advance.

Workshops, classes and other hands-on events

Palmer Museum of Art’s new slate of summer activities also includes a long list of interactive, educational programs that allow you to create artwork you can take home. Ranging in price, medium and length, these events equip even beginners with the tools to become an artist for the afternoon.

The majority of the summer’s events are both free and don’t require registration — you just have to show up. The schedule kicks off June 20 with a weaving workshop inspired by the museum’s new Arts of Africa Gallery, but later classes will focus on different mediums and displays. A family-friendly workshop June 29 and outdoor session July 31 both dive into printmaking; two “Art After Hours” events on July 25 and Aug. 29 invite visitors to make collages and campaign buttons; and studio sessions on June 27 and Aug. 22 encourage guests to use art as self-care.

For more ambitious artists, the museum will also host more in-depth workshops targeted at adults. A sneaker painting class July 13, for instance, equips guests to transform a white pair of canvas sneakers into unique pieces of art; individuals must register in advance, and participation costs $35. Adults can also register for a six-week, $350 course focused on plein air, or outdoor, painting.

Individuals can read more about specific workshops and events on Palmer Museum of Art website.

Gallery talks

For those interested in engaging further with the permanent collections or special exhibitions, the museum will host five gallery talks throughout the summer. Speakers range from museum director Erin Coe to professional curators and Penn State faculty.

Those interested can read more about specific talks on the Palmer Museum of Art website.

Summer camp

The Palmer Museum of art will host two weeklong day camps for children aged 9-12: one focused on printmaking and another on the relationship between art and nature. Because of the museum’s new location at the arboretum, campers have the perfect opportunity to create art while also learning about the world around them. Both sessions cost $325.