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Chrysler Museum of Art and Old Dominion University Announce New Partnership

To celebrate their new Free Student Admission policy, the Chrysler Museum of Art will welcome Old Dominion University President Dr. Roseann Runte and students from ODU on Wednesday, October 19 at 11:15 a.m. The new program is an exciting step in the Chrysler’s mission to make the Museum an accessible and educational asset to the community.

Approximately thirty ODU students from Sharon Dilustro’s Introduction to the Visuals Arts Art History class will be present as Dr. Runte and Museum Director William Hennessey sign a partnership agreement between the Chrysler Museum and Old Dominion University. A group photo will document this important occasion, followed by a special preview tour of the upcoming exhibition Behind the Seen: The Chrysler’s Hidden Museum led by Dr. Hennessey. This spectacular show drawn entirely from the Museum’s storage vaults will not open to the public until Friday, October 21. The students will depart by 11:45 a.m. to ensure that they can attend noon classes.

“We’re taking this step because we want more people to discover and enjoy the Museum. This means removing as many barriers to participation as possible,” explains Dr. Hennessey. “Our hope is that by offering easy and free access to students and young people, an ever larger and more diverse audience will make the Museum a regular part of their lives, and we feel confident that we can show them a good time, and that they will recognize the Chrysler as a great place for learning, insight, and inspiration.”

The Museum is working with Old Dominion University and other local colleges to spread the word about the new free admission program and to design special programs that will make the Chrysler both a social and educational destination for students.

"This is a fine example of inter-institutional cooperation to the benefit of the entire community. Students will have the opportunity to learn about art and gain an appreciation for it, which will enrich them throughout their lives," said Dr. Runte. “The interaction between the curatorial staff and the university faculty will open the door to increased collaboration and positive, creative exchange. I am most grateful to William Hennessey for his enlightened leadership. It is a great pleasure to work with him and his fine colleagues."

In addition to offering free student admission, the Chrysler created The Young Enthusiasts Advisory Board, a group of young adults, including a number of ODU students, organized to brainstorm, plan, and execute events designed to engage the student audience, focusing on the 18-29 age group. Their first program will be a Movie Night on November 30, featuring tapas, a special gallery tour, and a screening of The Motorcycle Diaries. Students and young adults interested in joining this group may contact Melissa Ball at (757) 333-6298 or mball@chrylser.org.

For More Information or Images Please Contact the Public Relations Department at (757) 333-6295 or pr@chrysler.org

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