Get ready for a fun-filled night surrounded by statues, paintings and artifacts from around the world.
The Spurlock Museum is hosting a gala, the first of its kind, entitled “A Night at the Museum” on April 18. Planned by the student Gallery Guides, the event promises a MET Gala-esque experience for all University students.
Annika Alfaro, a Gallery Guide and sophomore in LAS, said this event is an opportunity for students to dress up and experience the museum in a unique way.
“I feel like there aren’t a lot of events for students who aren’t in Greek life or are in an RSO to have the ability to dress up and have that formal or semi-formal experience in college,” Alfaro said. “This is really for those students to have that opportunity.”
Ben Maki, junior in LAS, said students are encouraged, but not required to dress in formal attire for the event.
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“Our formal motto is going to be ‘dress to impress,’” Maki said.
Morgan Paoli, a Gallery Guide and junior in Education, said she hopes this event will bring more visibility to the events and activities Spurlock offers.
“(We wanted) something that celebrates the museum and all of the work that we have, but also celebrates the people that are coming to view the galleries,” Paoli said.
The Spurlock Museum is a regional center for collections of cultural and archeological artifacts. Located near Illinois Street Residence Hall, Spurlock is home to nine permanent exhibits that represent several global historical cultures. In total, it houses nearly 50,000 artifacts.
In addition, the museum hosts various performances, lectures and activities almost daily for both University students and the general public.
Paoli said she noticed many students solely visit Spurlock for their classes, and are unaware of the various events and activities the museum hosts.
“We hope students are able to interact with the space in a way that allows them to mingle with each other and have fun social experiences but also allows them to learn more about the artifacts on display and the different programs we have,” Paoli said.
The gala will be free for all University students to attend. During the event, students can participate in various activities, such as a scavenger hunt. Food will be provided from Piato Catering including hors d’oeuvres, prosciutto and mock sangria. The music for the event will be DJ’d by DJ TAT.
