Throughout history, when times are troubled, people seek comfort in museums to look for insight, to reflect on aspirations and achievements, and to see themselves in different ways, often as part of something much larger. Museum collections represent mankind’s greatest achievements—what matters, what endures. Art is a common language that is understood and transcends the boundaries of time and space.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainty of what we are facing as a country, as a community, and as an organization is unprecedented. We previously announced that we were closing the facilities and all programs through April 5, 2020. The CDC is now recommending that organizations cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50+ people for the next eight weeks. The FIA recognizes its part in helping minimize the spread of the virus and its impact on our community and health systems; therefore, we have decided to adopt the CDC recommendation and extend the closure of the Museum and Art School through May 10, 2020. It is worth noting that this too is subject to change. Although it is a difficult decision, the health and safety of our guests, students, volunteers, and staff is our first priority.
During the museum closure, we are doing everything we can to provide members access to FIA collections and programs virtually through our website, flintarts.org, and social media sites. We encourage all of our members, students, and visitors to explore live-streamed glass blowing, virtual tours, previous lectures, podcasts, daily posts from the permanent collection, staff picks, and relevant shared articles from museums across the globe.
We look forward to seeing you in person when the FIA resumes normal operations.
Sincerely,
John Henry
Executive Director, Flint Institute of Art
Thanks to the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage, Genesee County residents receive free museum admission every day at the Flint Institute of Arts.
The FIA is thankful to have the support of Genesee County voters, who recognize the benefit of not only the visual arts, but also the value of the other cultural institutions included in the millage funding: The Flint Institute of Music, The Whiting Auditorium and the Capitol Theatre, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of the Performing Arts, Flint Repertory Theatre, Sloan Museum, Longway Planetarium, the New McCree Theatre, Friends of Berston, and the Greater Flint Arts Council.
Together, these organizations help make our community even more vibrant, offering programming designed to be accessible to all citizens. Visit the FIA to see your tax dollars at work!
| Monday – Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum | 10a–5p | 10a–5p | 1p–5p |
| Museum Shop | 10a–5p | 10a–5p | 1p–5p |
| The Palette Café | 9a–5p | 10a–5p | 1p–5p |
Galleries are closed on major holidays
The Museum Shop and The Palette Café is open extended hours for select special events
| FIA Members | Free |
| Genesee County Residents | Free |
| Adults | $10.00 |
| Children 12 & Under | Free |
| Students with ID | $8.00 |
| Senior Citizens | $8.00 |
This includes special exhibitions and permanent collection.
Huntington celebrates the Flint Institute of Arts by providing everyone access free of charge every Saturday.
Huntington’s “Welcome” philosophy is a perfect fit for Free Saturdays at the Flint Institute of Arts and an open invitation for all to come, see, and experience art. Throughout its 150-year history, Huntington has committed to a full scope of community investments from business growth, affordable housing and financial education to sustaining a better quality of life through support of arts and education.
John Henry, FIA Executive Director said “we are very grateful to Huntington for making our communities better places to live by providing everyone access to the FIA’s extraordinary collection and temporary exhibitions each week without charge. The increased activity on Huntington Free Saturdays generates a level of energy and enthusiasm which makes our museum a truly exciting place to be.
https://www.huntington.com/
The Flint Institute of Arts has partnered with the Institute of Museum and Library Services to participate in Museums for All, a cooperative initiative created to give all families from all backgrounds the opportunity to become a regular visitor of museums.
Present your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a valid photo ID to a Visitor Services Representative at the FIA Lobby front desk. This will allow up to 4 individuals per EBT card admission to the museum for free. This benefit is exclusively reserved for admission to the museum and cannot be applied to any special events or programs at the FIA and may not be used in the FIA Museum Shop, at The Palette Café, or in the FIA Art School.
| Visitor Services Our knowledgeable Visitor Services team is eager to greet you when you enter the Lobby of the Flint Institute of Arts. They are waiting to direct you in beginning your self-guided tour throughout the galleries, with audio guides and a detailed floor plan of the grounds. They are able to answer any questions about the museum, or assist you with any of your concerns. |
| Conduct
Gum, food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries. Visitors are asked not to touch any of the artwork in the FIA. Works of art are very fragile, even those made of stone and metal. Salts and oil residues from visitors' hands destroy the surfaces of works of art over time. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect the works of art in our public trust for future generations. |
| Photography Photography for personal use is permitted in permanent collection galleries, except where “No Photography” is noted on an object’s label with the symbol above. Photography in temporary exhibition galleries is not permitted. Photographs may not be published, distributed or sold for commercial purposes. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie-sticks are not permitted in the museum. |
| Coat Check Free coat check service is offered to visitors at the Visitor Service desk at the North entrance of the building. Large purses, bags, backpacks, packages, umbrellas must be checked. Lockers are available free of charge for such items. Strollers may also be checked. |
| Parking Free parking is available on both the North and South entrances of the building. Overflow parking is available using Flint Central High School's parking lot, adjacent to the South end of the FIA. Click here for directions. |
| Public Transportation The FIA is located on Fixed Route 14: Downtown/Campus route of the MTA (Mass Transportation Authority) in Flint. |
| Restrooms Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available in the lobby, in the Art School and on the second floor. |
| Wheelchairs
The entire Institute is wheelchair accessible through both North and South entrances, and an elevator is located near the first floor restrooms. Wheelchairs are available to use free of charge on a first come first served basis at the Visitor Service desk at the North entrance of the building. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available in the lobby, in the Art School and on the second floor. |
| Assistance
Companions or caregivers of persons with disabilities are admitted free of charge to the museum. The FIA's Visitor Service team is prepared to give assistance to those in need. |
| Service Animals The FIA complies with all ADA requirements and accepts service animals in the museum as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010. Types of Service Dogs may include, but are not limited to: Guide Dog, Mobility Aid Dog, Seizure Alert Dog, PTSD Dog, Hearing Alert Dog, Diabetes Alert Dog, Migraine Alert Dog, Narcolepsy Alert Dog, Seizure Response Dog, Psychiatric Service Dog. |
| Emotional Support Animals The FIA does not allow Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on site. Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, are not considered service animals under the ADA. Types of Emotional Support Animals may include, but are not limited to: companionship animals; animals to relieve loneliness; animals to help with depression; animals to help with anxiety; animals to help with certain phobias. |
| Listening Devices Listening devices are available for use with Audio Guides. |
| Enchroma Glasses Three pairs of Enchroma colorblind vision correcting glasses are available free of charge to FIA visitors for patrons who experience red/green color vision deficiencies. |
| Visiting Flint Once again, the City of Flint is becoming a bustling hub of activity. New restaurants, bars, art studios, lofts, attractions, specialty shops, and façades are transforming the streets to reflect a time of change. Stop into one of these local businesses during your stay here at the Flint Institute of Arts and experience some great food, art, and shopping! Parking is available on the street or in secured paid parking lots/ramps. |
| Flint Cultural Center 810.237.7333 | Flint Institute of Music 810.238.1350 fim@TheFIM.com | Flint Youth Theatre 810.237.1350 info@FlintYouthTheatre.com |
| Sloan Museum 810.237.3450 Sloan@SloanLongway.org | Longway Planetarium 810.237.3400 longway@SloanLongway.org | The Whiting 810.237.7337 info@TheWhiting.com |
| Flint Public Library 810.232.7111 askus@fpl.info |
1120 East Kearsley Street
Flint, Michigan 48503
810.234.1695
810.234.1692
| Hours |
|---|
| 10am-5pm |
| Admission | |
|---|---|
| Members | Free |
| Genesee County Residents | Free |
| Adults | $10 |
| Students (with ID) | $8 |
| Senior Citizens | $8 |
| Children 12 & Under | Free |
To advance the understanding and appreciation of art for all through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
