CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion at the University of Illinois was recently reaccredited by the American Association of Museums, the highest form of national recognition for museums.
The AAM, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization that represents museum professionals and institutions of various sizes and types, from art museums to zoos, promoting excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement, according to AAM’s Web site.
To attain accreditation, museums undergo a rigorous process that includes a yearlong self-study and a site visit by peer reviewers. Museums are reaccredited every 10-15 years.
“As a result of the reaccreditation process, Krannert Art Museum has more comprehensive plans and policies, improved conditions for the display and storage of art, and a heightened sense of its community,” said Kathleen Harleman, director of the museum.
Krannert Art Museum is among 25 museums and institutions in Illinois and 779 nationwide that have attained AAM accreditation.
Opened in 1961, the museum has 10,000 works of art in its permanent collection and presents 18-20 changing exhibitions each year in its 10 galleries. Krannert is the second largest art museum in the state of Illinois and attracts about 132,000 visitors each year.
More information about Krannert Museum and Kinkead Pavilion, including current and upcoming exhibitions, is available online.
