Holiday shoppers can find unique gifts and products made in their communities at more than 2,100 participating museum stores worldwide, driving economic support for local artists, businesses and cultural institutions.
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., — More than 2,100 museum stores across all 50 states, 25 countries and five continents are participating in Museum Store Sunday on December 1, 2024, offering shoppers a wide range of discounts, special events, gifts with purchase and unique, locally made items for everyone on their holiday lists.
Broad assortments of highly curated, location-specific and mission-driven items will be available to shoppers online and in person, including jewelry, clothing, children’s toys and products, home decor, books and gourmet food. Proceeds from museum store purchases support artists, small businesses and cultural institutions in shoppers’ communities.
Museum shoppers browsing handmade California Poppy Cobalt Glass Bowls by Bay Area artists Ken and Ingrid Hanson, available at the de Young Museum Store in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of the de Young Museum Store.
The number of participating cultural institutions has tripled since the Museum Store Association launched Museum Store Sunday in 2017. The global advocacy campaign’s new slogan, “Shop with Purpose,” reflects the organization’s mission to promote economic sustainability and cultural engagement for museums and the communities they support.
Kate Schureman, board president of the Museum Store Association and chief operating officer and vice president of administration of the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria, Illinois, explains how shopping at cultural institutions during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend strengthens communities and their financial well-being.
“Purchasing locally made gifts at museum stores circulates money within shoppers’ communities,” Schureman said. “In turn, artists, businesses and museums in their neighborhoods have more funds to reinvest into their communities and foster local economic growth.”
A 2022 study by American Express found that $0.68 of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional $0.48 in local business activity as a result of employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.
“Choosing items created by neighbors and friends instead of mass-produced goods from big-box stores also encourages creativity and community pride,” Schureman continued. “Purchasing works by local creators empowers them to explore and express different perspectives, often drawing from local traditions, histories, current events and landmarks. Gifts inspired by shared experiences can feel more unique and personal, making a meaningful impact on recipients and the places they call home.”
Locally made gift ideas include handmade California Poppy Cobalt Glass Bowls by Ken and Ingrid Hanson, a husband and wife glass-blowing team in the Bay Area, available at the de Young Museum Store in San Francisco; handcrafted chocolate bars by Deiter’s Chocolates, a long-standing Denver confectionery, available at the Shop at the Denver Art Museum; and handmade bar soaps, lotions and soy candles made by women survivors of exploitation, trauma and addiction in Milwaukee, available at the Milwaukee Art Museum Store.
While there is only one Museum Store Sunday every year, consumers are encouraged to shop at and support museum stores all year long. Approximately 91% of shoppers said they would return the following year to shop during Museum Store Sunday and 89% of shoppers said Museum Store Sunday encourages them to shop at museum stores throughout the year [Source: Museum Store Sunday 2023 Shoppers Survey].
The annual event has boosted museum stores’ sales efforts, with museum stores seeing a 45% average increase in in-store net sales in 2023 compared to 2022, and a 24% average increase in in-store transactions in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting the growing consumer shift toward small and local businesses [Source: Museum Store Sunday 2023 Participant Survey].
Shoppers may find participating museum stores near them at: www.museumstoresunday.org/find-a-store and those with online stores at: www.museumstoresunday.org/find-an-online-store.
For more information, visit: www.museumstoresunday.org.
Barnes Shop 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love Exhibition Catalogue ($60)
A major survey chronicling Thomas’s vibrant, rhinestone-adorned paintings
New York–based artist Mickalene Thomas’s critically acclaimed and extensive body of work spans painting, collage, print, photography, video and immersive installations. With influences ranging from 19th-century painting to popular culture, Thomas’s art is characterized by spectacularly staged, rhinestoned, large-scale painted tableaux and bold, intimate compositions, decisively foregrounding Black femininity in abundant realms of visual pleasure, agency, and kinship. This major survey publication further affirms Thomas’s status as a key figure of contemporary art.
It features notable works that are arranged in thematic chapters throughout the book.
The book also features Mickalene Thomas in conversation with Hayward Gallery chief curator Rachel Thomas and essays by Claudia Rankine, Darnell L. Moore, Ed Schad, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Renée Mussai, and Christine Kim that cover Thomas’s distinct visual vocabulary, drawing on themes of love and intergenerational female empowerment as well as tenets of Black feminist theory.
Studio Mickalene socks gift set ($55)
Boxed and ready for gifting, this set includes three pairs of calf-length socks inspired by Mickalene Thomas’s Tete De Femme series. Jacquard knit captures details of the original artwork, resulting in a playful take on the artist’s use of collage.
© Mickalene Thomas
Barnes Foundation sequin patch tote ($39.95)
Drawing on her love of sewing from a young age, Philadelphia-based tote jawn founder Lia creates reusable totes that you will not only remember to use but enjoy using. Inspired by four generations of creative women, Lia has continued the tradition of sewing through the thoughtful design and high-quality construction of the tote jawn line. This vivid purple tote, adorned with iridescent sequin lettering, will become your new favorite way to show your love of the Barnes. Two strap options let you sling the bag over your shoulder or carry at your side. There’s also a secure interior pocket to hold your phone or wallet.
Studio Mickalene “Afro Goddess” allover print hoodie ($249)
Mickalene Thomas’s self-portrait Afro Goddess Looking Forward has been artfully adapted into an allover-print for this luxe hoodie by Studio Mickalene. Every detail was considered, from the printed lined hood, to the ribbing at the cuffs and hem. Comfortable drop-shoulder design, available in unisex sizes XS to 2XL.
© Mickalene Thomas
Studio Mickalene “Flowers” five panel hat ($70)
This five panel hat, a style favored by the Mickalene Thomas, the artist’s signature flower motif based on 1970s upholstery from her childhood home in Camden, NJ. Embroidered Studio Mickalene logo on the back. Unisex, adjustable buckle strap.
© Mickalene Thomas
Gift a Barnes online class
Give the gift of lifelong learning with online art history classes taught by Barnes experts. The art lover in your life can uncover new and surprising insights about their favorite artists and art movements, or learn something completely new, from the comfort of home. No homework required—just a curious mind. When you purchase an online class as a gift, you will receive a gift voucher that is redeemable for any class of your recipient’s choice.
Barnes Membership
This holiday season share the Barnes with those you love most or treat yourself to a year of unforgettable experiences. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive access to special programming, discounts, exhibition previews, and more! Plus, you’ll support our mission in art education. Visit:barnesfoundation.org/support or call: (215) 278-7100 to give the gift of membership or to join yourself.
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