The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland has abolished its admission policy as part of its new Open House initiative, which focuses on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, in an effort to make the institution more welcoming and collaborative for all audiences. Free admission will be instituted on March 16.

The institution will also establish a diversity-focused curatorial fellowship—the first recipient is LaTanya Autry, who has held curatorial positions at the Yale University Art Gallery and the Mississippi Museum of Art—an engagement-guide apprenticeship, and enhanced on-site programming for families and teens. In addition, the museum plans to hire an education specialist. 

“Removing the economic barrier to visitation is just one phase of our Open House initiative,” said Jill Snyder, who has served as the institution’s executive director since 1996. “Inclusion is a central focus, and to effectively serve all audiences we will integrate welcoming, collaborative practices into every aspect of our business.” She added that the “initiatives assert the museum as a safe gathering place, a public forum, and a contemplative haven to process our multi-cultural world.” 

Open House was made possible with a lead investment from the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. The organization provided the museum with $500,000. Other contributors include the Cleveland Foundation, the Kevin & Eleanor Smith Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, and PNC.