The University of Michigan Museum of Art will temporarily close Alumni Memorial Hall, the museum’s historic South wing, beginning in late January 2026 for a full replacement of its marble floor.

The project, expected to be completed by fall 2026, will renew the grandeur and strength of one of the university’s most beloved architectural spaces. 

While the Alumni Memorial Hall galleries and spaces will be closed during construction, UMMA remains open to the public. Visitors can continue to experience exhibitions, programs and events in the Museum’s Maxine and Stuart Frankel and the Frankel Family Wing, including “American Sampler: Activating The Archive,” opening Jan. 24. 

Built in 1910, Alumni Memorial Hall became the home of the campus art museum in 1924 and has since evolved into the creative heartbeat of U-M’s campus and the Ann Arbor community.

The marble floors, walked by generations of students, faculty and visitors, had reached a state beyond repair. The university and the museum initially pursued a restoration approach, but ultimately determined a full replacement was necessary to ensure long-term stability and accessibility.

“This project is about care and stewardship,” said Christina Olsen, UMMA director. “Over one century of visitors have made memories in this space, and this new floor will ensure that Alumni Memorial Hall continues to welcome the campus and community for generations to come.” 

The Museum anticipates reopening galleries in Alumni Memorial Hall in fall 2026 with large-scale events and rentals resuming in early 2027. Project updates will be made available at umma.umich.edu and UMMA’s social media channels throughout the year.