The Akron Art Museum will reopen its historic 1899 building on September 23, 2026, after finishing a $12.5 million renovation that adds new gallery space, a dedicated classroom and a digital art center inside the former Akron post office. The building, which has served as the museum’s home since 1981, has been closed to the public through September 22 while crews completed the overhaul.
The renovation, which began in July 2025 and was funded through the museum’s Create the Future campaign, drew support from foundations, corporations and individual donors, according to Cleveland.com. Major backing came from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which has invested in the museum for many years, and the historic building will be renamed the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Building in recognition of that support. The design and construction team included lead architect Perspectus Architecture, design consultant Process Creative Studios, construction manager Summit Construction and owner’s representative Wade Trim, according to the Akron Art Museum.
Public funding also played a significant role. Ohio lawmakers approved $2 million in state capital budget funding specifically for the museum’s new Center for Digital Discovery, and Summit County Council separately approved a two-year grant agreement providing $100,000 annually, $200,000 total, to sponsor the museum’s new J.M. Smucker Co. Idea Machine exhibition space, according to state and county legislative records. Museum board chair Jon A. Fiume said in a museum news release that the transformation honors Akron’s history while rethinking how the historic building can be used.
New Galleries, a Classroom and Digital Art Space
The renovation creates 2,152 square feet of additional gallery space along with a new 957-square-foot dedicated classroom, according to the museum’s announcement. Visitor amenities include new restrooms and a family care room, and the project carves out a dedicated space for video, digital and time-based art within the historic building…