The Georgia Museum of Art was recently reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums, an honor that less than 5 percent of U.S. museums receive. To celebrate this achievement, GMOA will be open on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be an official announcement at 2 p.m. by Ford Bell, president of AAM, followed by an ice cream social. The free event is open to the public.

Reaccreditation involves a self-study that GMOA worked on for several years and a site visit lasting several days. AAM representatives toured the facility from top to bottom, met with university upper administration and interviewed staff members, volunteers, students and patrons of the museum. Only 16 percent of university museums are accredited, and applying is no guarantee it will be received.

Bonnie Styles, chair of the accreditation commission, wrote, “We applaud the museum’s new facilities, which are exceptionally well designed for programs and mission delivery and appear to accommodate the needs of both the students and the public. The museum excels at innovative programs and audience engagement and offers excellent publications and programs that support its mission. We also commend efforts to increase scholarship for students and academics through the four research centers and colloquia, such as the decorative arts symposium.”

AAM supports all museums, strengthening the museum community through advocacy and excellence. It supports 21,000 museums, individuals and companies by developing standards and best practices, providing resources and career development and advocating for museums to thrive.