I work at a university art museum and we have evening hours every Friday
during the academic year and in July.  Because of budget constraints, we
are closed Friday evenings in the months of June and August.
        We have found being open on Fridays (until 8 pm) has allowed the
community greater access to the collection and events held there. People,
especially students, generally "do something" Friday nights and a great
many decide to "do something" at the museum for several reasons: 1) it's
free (a cheap date, if you will), 2) people in the community work until 5
pm and the museum is closed at 5 pm on other days, and their weekends are
full, so Friday is a logical choice to come view the galleries and
special exhibitions, and 3) we have free concerts and special events
generally twice a month on those Fridays.
        In July, we have a tradition of sponsoring the Jazz in July
series, a different group each Friday, which performs out on the terrace of
the museum and is accompanied by treats from Ben and Jerry's ice cream and pizza
. This has
been very successful and people look forward to it year to year.
        In June the Education Dept. sponsored a Dr. Seuss film fest on
the terrace and again, had ice cream for everyone. This, too, was
successful, judging from the number of children and parents and students
who attended!
        The options are endless - just having the museum open extra hours
is beneficial to the community and in the end, to the museum, but having
an event at the same time attracts a greater draw.
        Good luck!
        Susan Reed
        Ancient Art
        Indiana University Art Museum