Museum PR Announcements News and Information

Constellation Thursday Nights Brings New Evening Hours to the Walters Art Museum Beginning Oct. 4

Special exhibitions will be free every Thursday night

Baltimore — The Walters Art Museum announces Constellation Thursday Nights beginning Oct. 4 and continuing every Thursday from 5–9 p.m. Throughout the evening, visitors will be able to wander the galleries, see special exhibitions for free, snack on foods from the new Q at the Walters café and shop at the museum store. In 2013, there will be two special “Super Thursdays” with free entertainment and art activities.

Constellation Thursday Nights is being generously supported by a grant from Constellation. A three-year commitment of $150,000 per year allows the Walters to offset the operating costs associated with extending museum hours and hosting “Super Thursdays”. The Walters will kick-off Constellation Thursday Nights Oct. 4 with a reception in the Sculpture Court and remarks by Mayo A. Shattuck III, executive chairman of Constellation’s parent company, Exelon and Walters Director Gary Vikan.

“Constellation is proud to partner with the Walters to make the museum’s special exhibits and collections more accessible to the people of Baltimore,” said Shattuck. “We believe that the arts are vital to city life, and the Walters is a cultural hub where visitors are able to participate in museum programs and enjoy a unique, enriching experience.”

In 2006, the Walters opened its doors to the public with free admission to the permanent collection. Attendance increased by 45 percent, participation in family activities rose by 89 percent and diversity increased from 9 percent to 18 percent.

“Since providing complimentary free admission to its permanent collections, the Walters has sustained an increase in museum and family program attendance. By extending museum hours, we can better serve a 21st-century audience, providing greater visitor access to all, including working adults,” said Vikan. “Constellation’s generous contribution provides the opportunity for more people in our community to discover the Walters, and we are grateful for their support.”

“Super Thursdays” is a component of the Walters’ ongoing efforts to expand audiences by attracting diverse visitors of all ages, including young adults. In 2013, these special evenings will take place on Feb. 11 and May 9. Each “Super Thursday” will feature a wide range of public programs such as live music, gallery talks, hands-on art projects, interactive group activities and refreshments. These evenings will also feature dancing to the music of well-known DJs.

About The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is located in downtown Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon Cultural District at North Charles and Centre streets. Its permanent collection includes ancient art, medieval art and manuscripts, decorative objects, Asian art, and Old Master and 19th-century paintings. Wyndham Baltimore Peabody Court is the official hotel of the Walters Art Museum.

About Constellation
Constellation (www.constellation.com), a subsidiary of Exelon Corp., is a leading competitive retail supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Constellation’s retail business serves more than 100,000 business and public sector customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100, and nearly one million residential customers.

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