Renovation of Portsmouth’s art museum nearing completion

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WOWK) — Portsmouth could soon become a prime destination for art lovers of the Ohio River Valley and beyond. 

The Southern Ohio Museum, an art museum in downtown Portsmouth, is currently undergoing extensive renovations to bring an all-new experience to its visitors.

They’ve redone the interior of the original building, which has operated as a museum since 1979, and added a spacious second wing with outdoor stages for live performances.

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Also new are rooms for children’s activities and an update to their 100-seat theater.

The museum collection of over 25,000 different pieces of art continues to grow since the museum closed for the project a year and a half ago.

“This is part of the overall renaissance happening in Portsmouth right now,” Portsmouth Mayor Charlotte Gordon said. “We do realize that there aren’t a lot of museums in this region, and we can really address a lot of needs.”

The art museum never charges for admission, a tradition that Gordon said will continue. So far, the project has not encountered any significant delays and remains within budget.

“We’re at the point where all the loose ends are tying together,” Gordon said, “We’re getting close.”

Museum leaders aim to reopen early in the summer in time for the opening of other development projects around Portsmouth, like the new city building and riverfront.

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