The Springfield Museums have been awarded an extraordinary three-year, $800,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation as part of a new “Access for All” initiative that is meant to help increase access to museums across the country.
Thanks to this funding, the Museums will introduce “Free First Wednesdays” beginning in January 2024. All visitors will receive free admission on the first Wednesday of every month for the next three years.

The Springfield Museums are one of just 64 museums in 36 states – and one of only seven in New England — to be awarded one of these prestigious grants. There are 33,000 museums in the United States, according to the American Alliance of Museums.
“The remarkable and unprecedented $800,000 grant from this private foundation will enable our Museums to realize our vision to be an accessible and intergenerational center of community learning and creativity,” stated Kay Simpson, President & CEO of the Springfield Museums. “Our Museums are committed to making art accessible through innovative interpretation and exciting and experiential exhibitions. This historic funding will help us be Museums where everyone feels welcome.”

Based in Bentonville, AR, the Art Bridges Foundation is a national arts nonprofit founded by philanthropist Alice Walton. With its -million investment in the “Access for All” initiative, the Foundation hopes to eliminate barriers and encourage more people to visit and engage in more museums across the country.