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Figge announces 'Museums For All' free admission, food drive

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 17:59 GMT by KWQC
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Figge Museum to Open Doors for Free, Launches Community Food Drive

The Figge Art Museum has announced a two‑day weekend of free admission, paired with a city‑wide food‑drive initiative that encourages visitors to donate non‑perishable items while exploring the museum’s diverse exhibitions. The event, slated for the weekend of November 8–9, 2025, will feature a free ticket giveaway, special educational programming, and an on‑site donation drop‑off that will be distributed to local food banks and shelters.

A Free Ticket for Every Visitor

According to the museum’s press release, every visitor who checks in at the ticket desk will receive a complimentary admission pass for the duration of the weekend. “We’re celebrating the community’s support of the arts by making the museum accessible to all,” said Director Dr. Linda Hargreaves during a live-streamed briefing. The free admission also includes access to all temporary exhibitions, permanent collections, and the museum’s educational spaces.

To keep lines moving, the museum will employ a “check‑in” system that allows guests to receive their free ticket as they enter. Visitors can also pre‑register online via the museum’s website, which offers an interactive map of the building and audio guides in multiple languages. The registration link redirects to the museum’s “Free Admission” page, where users can learn about the schedule, exhibit highlights, and event schedule.

Food‑Drive Logistics

In addition to the free admission, the Figge has partnered with the Downtown Food Bank and the St. Anthony Shelter to host a community food‑drive. The museum will serve as a central collection hub. Non‑perishable food items, including canned goods, rice, pasta, and baby formula, will be accepted at a dedicated drop‑off area inside the museum’s lobby. The food‑drive will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the weekend, and all donations will be shipped to the partner organizations by the end of November.

The museum’s website contains a dedicated “Food Drive” page that lists acceptable items, donation pickup instructions, and a link to a printable “Donate” sheet. The page also highlights the local partners: Downtown Food Bank, St. Anthony Shelter, and the city’s Food Pantry network. By participating, visitors can contribute to the city’s goal of reducing food insecurity among low‑income households.

Event Programming and Highlights

During the free admission weekend, the museum will showcase a series of curated talks, guided tours, and family‑friendly activities:

• Guided Tour: “From Renaissance to Modern” – a docent‑led tour focusing on the museum’s European collection, featuring works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and contemporary artists.
• Children’s Workshop: “Colors and Shapes” – a hands‑on activity for children ages 5‑10, designed to foster creativity while learning about art fundamentals.
• Panel Discussion: “The Role of Art in Social Justice” – featuring local artists and community activists, streamed live on the museum’s Facebook page.
• Live Music: “Jazz in the Gallery” – a small ensemble performing in the museum’s auditorium, with an open mic segment for local musicians.

All of the event details, including timings and room locations, are available on the museum’s “Weekend Schedule” page, which also contains downloadable brochures.

Community Impact

The Figge Art Museum’s partnership with the food‑drive initiative underscores its commitment to the broader community. According to a 2024 survey by the city’s Department of Community Development, the area around the museum serves approximately 12,000 residents, with nearly 18% living below the poverty line. The museum estimates that the food‑drive could collect enough supplies for about 200 families each month.

The museum’s director emphasized the synergy between art and community service: “We believe that art has the power to bring people together, and there’s no better way to honor that spirit than by helping those in need.” The partnership will also provide a platform for local artists to showcase work that addresses themes of hunger and resilience.

How to Get Involved

Visitors are encouraged to visit the museum’s “Get Involved” page for more ways to participate beyond the weekend:

• Volunteer Sign‑Ups – The museum is recruiting volunteers to assist with donation sorting, event staffing, and tour facilitation. Sign‑ups are available online.
• Corporate Sponsorship – Local businesses can sponsor the food‑drive or a specific exhibit. Sponsorship details are listed on the museum’s “Sponsorship Opportunities” page.
• Art Donation – The museum accepts art donations for its endowment program, providing donors with a tax‑deductible receipt.

The museum’s official social‑media accounts—Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook—will provide live updates, behind‑the‑scenes glimpses, and highlights of the food‑drive’s impact throughout the weekend.

Final Thoughts

The Figge Art Museum’s free admission weekend combined with a large‑scale food‑drive demonstrates an innovative approach to community outreach. By opening its doors to all visitors and simultaneously addressing local food insecurity, the museum sets a new standard for cultural institutions as agents of positive social change. The initiative invites residents, visitors, and local businesses to participate in a shared experience that celebrates art while nourishing both bodies and souls.