HONOLULU — The Honolulu Museum of Art announced that, for the third year, it is participating in the Blue Star Museums’ collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star families, and the Department of Defense.
As part of the program, the museum is one of six Hawaii institutions to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families, now through Labor Day.
“The Honolulu Museum of Art is honored to again be part of this program that connects the military with museums,” said Stephan Jost, director, Honolulu Museum of Art. “We gratefully open our arms to service men and women and their families.
“Relaxing in front of priceless works of art in one of the most beautiful settings in Honolulu, for free, is the least we can do for a group of people who are feeling the stress of our country’s current conflicts,” Jost added.
This fall, to deepen its relationship with the military community, the museum will present “Courage and Strength: Portraits of Those Who Have Served.” This exhibition will feature the work of five photographers who have created portraits that focus on service men and women. The exhibition will run Sept. 6-Jan. 6, and admission will be free for military personnel with ID, and their families.
“Through Blue Star Museums, the arts community is extending a special invitation to military families to enjoy more than 1,500 museums this summer,” said Rocco Landesman, chairman, NEA. “This is both an opportunity to thank military families for their service and sacrifice, as well as a chance to create connections between museums and these families that will continue throughout the year.
“Especially for families with limited time together, those on a limited budget, and ones that have to relocate frequently, Blue Star Museums offers an opportunity to enjoy one another and become more fully integrated into a community, ” Landesman added.
Museums in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative.
Hawaii Blue Star Museums
Other Hawaii museums (besides the Honolulu Museum of Art) participating in the 2012 Blue Star Museum program follow:
•Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu;
•Iolani Palace, Honolulu;
•Lyman Museum and Mission House, Hilo, Hawaii;
•Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Laupahoehoe, Hawaii; and
•Alexander and Baldwin Sugar Museum, Puunene, Maui.
Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is located at 900 S. Beretania St.
•Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; and closed, Mondays.
•Free days are 1st Wednesdays and 3rd Sundays of the month, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., courtesy of the Bank of Hawaii.
• www.honolulumuseum.org.