On May 2, The Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum signed a gift agreement that integrates the two institutions. On July 1, that agreement became legally binding. Here are answers to questions you may have about this milestone event.
Why have the two museums merged?
The Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum have united as a new, world-class art museum to better serve its diverse community, ensure financial stability for future generations, and increase capacity to present innovative and engaging programs and exhibitions.
Just as corporations have been merging to form a single stronger entity, in these challenging financial times, nonprofit organizations will increasingly join forces. The boards of both museums have shown foresight in orchestrating the integration of the Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum.
The integrated museum—with fresh energy and a new story to tell—will engage brand new segments of the community in Hawai‘i and beyond.
How will a single museum be able to better serve the community?
The Academy and TCM have different communities of art lovers. Obviously some overlap in audience existed, but for the most part, the museums have served separate audiences.
With one museum, the combined audiences will be exposed to both art worlds.
Both museums’ missions are based on education. With a stronger endowment and an expanded collection of more than 53,500 works the combined museum will be even better able to share the story of art with Hawai‘i residents and visitors through expanded programs in two singular, historic locations.
How will the merger ensure financial stability for the museum?
The combining of departments such as accounting and member services should result in operational and financial savings.
Also, drawing from an often overlapping donor base in the past had placed limitations in fundraising activities for both institutions. This will no longer be the case.
The combined assets of both institutions will put the new, single museum on solid financial footing, making it easier to negotiate the fluctuations of the economy and the donor community in particular.
How will the merger increase capacity to present innovative and engaging programs and exhibitions?
The combined collections of the Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum instantly give the “world-class” title credibility. Now, all the art can be put in the context of 5,000 years of art from around the world, spanning from a Neolithic Chinese stoneware jar to a mixed-media wall relief sculpture by Frank Stella.
In addition, the merger will make contemporary art more accessible to the public, and reflects a commitment to all cultures and types of art, including the great art of today.
What will happen to TCM staff?
The Contemporary Museum staff has been retained.
Does the new museum have a new name?
The issue of branding, which includes naming, is important. At this time the new combined board is having a thoughtful discussion about all facets of branding, including the possibility of a modified name. They hope to make a decision by November 2011.
Did the Academy “buy” the Contemporary Museum?
No, The Contemporary Museum’s collection and assets were a gift to the Academy.
What will happen with The Contemporary Museum campus?
Everything—contemporary art programming, the café, and the shop—will remain the same for now. Since there will be a greater emphasis on contemporary programming at the Academy as a result of the merger, it is possible that The Contemporary Museum campus will eventually have other kinds of art other than contemporary.
What about The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center?
Contemporary art programming in the galleries at First Hawaiian Center will remain the same.
If I am a member of one of the museums, how does the merger affect my membership?
Members of both museums have seen immediate benefits. Now, members of both museums:
• receive reciprocal admission. This means if you’re a member of The Contemporary Museum, you are able to visit the Academy for free, and vice versa.
• receive invitations or announcements to openings and events at both museums.
Members now receive the new benefits of the combined institution.
The Contemporary Museum memberships, whose rates are lower than those of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, can be renewed at current TCM rates until the end of the year. Then members will be asked to renew at Honolulu Academy of Arts levels.
Will admission prices remain the same?
No, The Contemporary Museum's admission price increased to Academy levels, and a single admission gets you into both museums. Now, if you pay admission at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, your entrance sticker will also get you into The Contemporary Museum on that same day, and vice versa.
Do the museums still have a free day?
Yes, both are free to the public on the first Wednesday of the month.
Will my favorite artwork at the Academy still be on view?
Rest assured that all your favorite things about the Academy and The Contemporary Museum will remain intact. Artworks may be moved to different galleries and presented in new contexts, but the best of both collections will be displayed for the community to enjoy.
