Everyone's Invited: Dayton Art Institute Announces Free Admission Weekends to Make Art Accessible for All

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MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Erin Wood, Marketing Communications Manager
937-271-1341 (cell) | ewood@daytonart.org

High-resolution media images:
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The first Art for All weekends will be on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8. Art for All is a special initiative by the Dayton Art Institute that offers free admission days to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy and engage with the museum’s world-class art collection and Special Exhibitions.

(DAYTON, OHIO) – March 2, 2026 – The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) invites the community to experience the power of art at no charge during its 2026 Art for All admission-free weekends. On three special weekends throughout the year, guests of all ages can explore the museum’s collection and exhibitions at no cost.

2026 Art for All Weekends:

• Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, 2026
• Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, 2026
• Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15, 2026

Art for All weekends serve the DAI’s mission of ensuring that art remains accessible to everyone in the Miami Valley and beyond. By removing the cost barrier, the museum aims to welcome new visitors, families, students and lifelong art lovers to experience its diverse collection spanning more than 5,000 years of global creativity.

“Access to art should never depend on circumstance,” said Interim DAI Director & President Mark Shaker. “Art for All weekends reflect our deep commitment to making the Dayton Art Institute a welcoming museum where every member of our community feels invited, represented and inspired.”

During each Art for All weekend, guests can:

• Explore the museum’s permanent collection galleries
• Experience featured Special and Focus Exhibitions
• Participate in select family-friendly activities (where applicable)
• Shop the Museum Store, featuring special discounts for current and new members (see store for details)
• Take advantage of a 15% discount on museum memberships for new and renewing members (excludes Jefferson Patterson Society memberships)

The museum is open from 11AM to 5PM on Saturdays and noon to 5PM on Sundays.

Art for All Days are possible because of the generous support of our Presenting Sponsors, Steve and Kate Hone, with Additional Support from Eric and Karen Spina and LexisNexis Cares.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
The Art for All dates were carefully selected to coincide with the major highlights in the DAI’s exhibition schedule, giving guests a chance to see all three of the DAI’s Special Exhibitions.

Current Exhibitions at the museum include Engaged: Rings from around the World (November 8, 2025–April 19, 2026), Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (April 13, 2024–January 3, 2027), Exploring Feminism (February 7, 2026–January 31, 2027) and Tony Foster, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective (February 21–May 17, 2026). Upcoming Exhibitions for 2026 include Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice (June 27–September 13, 2026), Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum (October 17, 2026–January 10, 2027), Symbols of Hope: Eunshin Khang (March 14–June 7, 2026), All the World’s a Stage (May 16–August 9, 2026), Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes (July 18–October 25, 2026), Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography (September 5–November 29, 2026) and Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection (November 14, 2026–February 14, 2027).

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and exclusive offers.

ABOUT DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
MISSION: Through art, we create transformative and diverse experiences, strengthen community connections and inspire imagination.

VISION: Through art, we will be a community leader recognized as a welcoming, thought-provoking and collaborative place that nurtures inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) is the Miami Valley’s premier fine art museum, offering a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection. The museum is currently open Wednesdays, 11 AM–5 PM; Thursdays, 11 AM–8 PM; Fridays & Saturdays, 11 AM–5 PM; and Sundays, noon–5 PM. Go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit for the latest museum information and updates. Museum admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more), $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17), free for children (ages 6 & younger) and free for museum members. Admission includes access to all Special Exhibitions, Focus Exhibitions, The Lange Family Experiencenter and the museum’s collection galleries. Some events and programs may carry an additional charge and include museum admission as part of that price. Free parking is available at the museum, and the facility is fully accessible. The DAI’s Museum Store and Leo are open during regular museum hours, offering unique shopping, as well as drinks and tasty treats. The Museum Store also offers online shopping at www.daimuseumstore.org. For more information about the DAI, visit daytonartinstitute.org or call 937-223-4ART (4278). The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from Culture Works and the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

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