I worked at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) for seven years and have been in contact with many staff members and docents through email, phone calls and their Listserv. Below you'll find the official statement. NOMA has set up temporary offices at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge.

To all the friends and supporters of the New Orleans Museum of Art:

One of the primary functions of an art museum is to protect works of art--great testaments of human creativity, spirit, and resourcefulness-- from calamity so that they will be preserved for posterity. Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans but the New Orleans Museum of Art effectively weathered the storm. NOMA is built on high ground and built strong. The building received only minor damage and the flood waters never reached its walls.

Some of NOMA's staff rode out the hurricane in the museum. Days later when FEMA officials asked them to vacate the premises they refused. They would not abandon the museum to an unknown fate. Their actions serve as remarkable evidence of their belief in the mission of the institution, and as an extraordinary reflection of the entire staff's dedication.

In their relief the museum has secured the services of a private security force to protect the site. A larger, additional emergency generator and a steady supply of fuel have been procured to power up the building to stabilize the conditions therein. The art inside the museum is safe. The art outside the museum is also in good shape. Our initial survey revealed that only one sculpture (by Kenneth Snelson) in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden sustained significant damage.

NOMA is now coordinating its recovery efforts with city, state, and federal authorities. The museum will reopen its doors as soon as it is feasible, and with free admission to all.

For almost a century, the New Orleans Museum of Art has thrived in one of the world's most interesting, beautiful, perseverant, and culturally diverse communities. We are facing the challenges of today and look forward to the future. Great cities, great institutions, and great art endure.

Ann M. Meehan
Curator of Education
Loyola University Museum of Art
820 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago IL  60611
312.915.7604 (direct)
312.915.6388 (fax)
http://www.luc.edu/luma/

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