Witte Museum is now a Smithonian affiliate as the expansion continues (2014, rentals)

[rynetwo]

As a result of the partnership, the Witte will be able to host official Smithsonian artifacts and traveling exhibitions, in addition to developing educational collaborations locally and nationally.

Witte Museum named as Smithonian affiliate

CityOnTheRise

[RadiantBaby]

Great news for the city and the Witte

[gtoman67z]

Wasn't Smithsonian a partner in the folklore museum (Museo Alameda?) that was briefly in the Market Square area?

[trill_hippy210]

Originally Posted by gtoman67z

Wasn't Smithsonian a partner in the folklore museum (Museo Alameda?) that was briefly in the Market Square area?

Yup

[Montirob]

Originally Posted by gtoman67z

Wasn't Smithsonian a partner in the folklore museum (Museo Alameda?) that was briefly in the Market Square area?

Yes, but according to various articles I have read, it seems that museum had leadership issues leaving it (per the Express News) "on the brink of financial ruin."

I do not anticipate the same problems at the Witte - they have a MUCH better track record and history.

With the new expansion beginning, the future is bright for the museum (a personal favorite of my family).

[gtoman67z]

To be honest, don't recall our most recent visit (special exhibit of some sort?) but probably within last 8 years. They definitely have come a LONG way since we first visited in early 80's...wife and I (ex burn ICU nurses) both cracked up when we saw a jar of Sulfamylon (a burn medication) in an exhibit...we paid to see this!
Was curious as to whether Smithsonian affiliate status would entitle Smithsonian members reduced admission fees....wishful thinking most likely on my part.

[rynetwo]

It should. ^^^

[Quattro72]

Originally Posted by gtoman67z

To be honest, don't recall our most recent visit (special exhibit of some sort?) but probably within last 8 years. They definitely have come a LONG way since we first visited in early 80's.

LOL. The museum is still living in the 80s compared to others in different parts of Texas.

[IntentionallyBlank]

Originally Posted by Quattro72

LOL. The museum is still living in the 80s compared to others in different parts of Texas.

What does that even mean? Seriously.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Originally Posted by Montirob

Yes, but according to various articles I have read, it seems that museum had leadership issues leaving it (per the Express News) "on the brink of financial ruin."

I do not anticipate the same problems at the Witte - they have a MUCH better track record and history.

With the new expansion beginning, the future is bright for the museum (a personal favorite of my family).

The Alameda had done a study that suggested that, based on foot traffic through Market Square, they would make a lot of money on museum admissions. But the average tourist going though Market Square is not going to pay $10/person to take their family into a museum they've never heard of, and museums never make really make enough on admissions to cover operating expenses. The Alameda also didn't have enough space to have a lot of event rentals, which is a way a lot of museums make their money. They didn't have any parking either. They spent a ton of money before they opened and then had several leadership changes when it became obvious they were not going to make enough to cover operating expenses. Toward the end, they had trouble making payroll...they would hand out checks on Friday but ask the employees not to deposit them until Monday. All the employees would make a mad dash to the bank that the checks were drawn on and the first few would get lucky and be able to cash their checks.

The Witte is totally different, they've been around much, much longer.