Toledo Museum Opens Monday for MLK Unity Celebration

One museum is choosing unity over routine by opening its doors on a day it's normally closed.

The Toledo Museum of Art will welcome visitors on Monday, January 19, for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. The museum typically stays closed on Mondays, but it's making an exception to honor King's legacy through community gathering and reflection.

The "Strength in Unity" event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a keynote speech by Dr. Maurice Stinnett and a performance by BGSU Voices. Families can participate in art-making activities throughout the day at the Family Center, creating their own tributes to Dr. King's vision.

The main program begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Little Theater with a welcome and introduction. After the BGSU Voices performance, Dr. Stinnett will deliver his keynote address, followed by a spoken word performance and closing announcements.

Grace Toth, the museum's Director of Education, explained why this celebration matters. "At the Toledo Museum of Art, we believe art has the power to inspire dialogue, reflection, and unity," she said.

Why This Inspires

This celebration shows how cultural institutions can become gathering places that strengthen community bonds. By opening on a day when many businesses stay closed, the museum is putting action behind its commitment to equity and justice.

The event creates space for people from all backgrounds to connect through shared experiences. Art-making activities, music, and spoken word performances offer multiple ways for visitors to engage with King's message of unity and hope.

Everything is free and open to the public, removing financial barriers that sometimes keep families from cultural experiences. The museum encourages early arrival since space in the theater is limited.

A museum opening its doors when it would normally be closed sends a powerful message about priorities and values.