by Hallie Anderson, on behalf of the Orlando Museum of Art
An ongoing partnership with the Art Bridges Foundation enables free access to the museum each month
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) today announces its upcoming Access for All event on Thursday, June 18, offering free admission from 10 am to 8 pm. Access for All reflects OMA’s ongoing commitment to making art accessible to everyone. Made possible through generous support from the Art Bridges Foundation, the monthly program invites the community to experience free admission and engaging programming designed to inspire meaningful connections with art.
“By opening our doors for free each month, we are creating more opportunities for Central Florida residents and visitors to experience the power of art together,” said Cathryn Mattson, CEO of OMA. “Access for All is central to our mission, and this month’s event will invite the community to be among the first to see two important new additions to OMA’s permanent collection.”
Notably, the June 18 Access for All event will mark the unveiling of two newly acquired artworks in the Mr. & Mrs. Chesley Magruder II Gallery. Renowned photographer David LaChapelle has gifted OMA his work Annunciation (2019), and the museum has purchased Hispaniola II – Mia (2024) by artist Kandy G Lopez, winner of the 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art People’s Choice vote. Together, the works reflect OMA’s commitment to collecting and presenting contemporary art that sparks conversation, connection and deeper understanding.
Additional events in the June 18 schedule include:
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11 am -2 pm| Hands-on Activities
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Families can enjoy hands-on art activities related to the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition in the museum’s Meeting Rooms.
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2:30 pm| Gallery Talk
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Museum-goers can learn more about the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition. Talk will focus on different artists and mediums that will invoke curiosity.
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5-7 pm | Sketching in the Galleries
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Drawing and sketching supplies will be available for artists of all ages to use. Museum goers can enjoy an evening at the museum and be inspired by artwork in the galleries.
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7 pm | Highlights Tour
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This docent-led tour provides opportunities for meaningful conversations with the entire family. Follow along with a docent as they take you from gallery to gallery, highlighting various works.
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Guests are also encouraged to view the museum’s current exhibitions, including the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, Echoes of the Ancient in Contemporary Voices, Dennis Scholl: A Day of Four Sunsets, and other permanent collection exhibitions.
Now in its 12th edition, the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is OMA’s signature annual exhibition honoring some of the most compelling artists working across the state. This year’s exhibition, on view through August 23, features the largest number of selected artists in Florida Prize history, with 12 artists represented, including two collaborative duos. The 2026 lineup spans painting, photography, sculpture, assemblage, weaving, performance and large-scale immersive environments, offering visitors a dynamic snapshot of Florida’s cultural vitality.
“OMA’s newly acquired artworks and this year’s Florida Prize exhibition speak beautifully to the breadth of contemporary art being made today,” said Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, chief curator at OMA. “From David LaChapelle’s visionary photographic practice to Kandy G Lopez’s powerful fiber portraiture and the diverse voices represented in the 2026 Florida Prize, Access for All visitors will encounter works that engage memory, identity, spirituality, heritage and connection.”
In addition to free admission, Access for All events offer guided tours and engaging gallery activities, giving visitors the chance to connect with art in diverse and meaningful ways. Everyone is invited to join and experience the beauty and inspiration of art in a welcoming and inclusive setting.
For more information about the event and OMA’s exhibitions and programs, please visit www.omart.org.
About the Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to stimulating creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas.
About Access for All: A three-year funding initiative to increase access to museums across the country and foster engagement with local communities. The $40 million pilot program supports 64 current Art Bridges Museum partners by covering the costs of admission, outreach, and other efforts that reduce barriers to access.
