On June 16, 2016, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVA will begin its fourth annual summer series called Night at the Museum.

It’s an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to explore its newest exhibitions, eat from the best of Charlottesville’s mobile food establishments, sip on the area’s beers, wines and ciders, and listen to some of our best local musical talent, all outdoors on its beautiful Pantops location overlooking Charlottesville.

“Many locals have heard about Kluge-Ruhe, but just haven’t found the time to visit yet. This event is so accessible: those who are coming for the first time will discover a diverse and fascinating culture as an added perk to what they would probably already be doing at the start of a summer weekend, which is to experience the best this town has to offer in food, libations and music,” said Education and Program Coordinator Lauren Maupin.

For those who have attended in the past, things will be a little different. Local wine and hard cider will be served alongside beer, and the selection will change each month. Additionally, each night in the series has a food theme, showcasing the variety of BBQ, tacos and soul food in our local foodie culture.

On June 16, the event will feature a new exhibition of works from the museum’s permanent collection, beer from Hardywood Park, wine from Delfosse Vineyards, cider from Albemarle Ciderworks, and BBQ food options. The Judy Chops, a local 7 piece Americana group, will play ‘original mountain swing’ that features their own tunes, remixed covers and mash-ups.

July 21 will boast the talent of Lowland Hum, a local husband-wife duo, who will play two one-hour sets of their original melodic tunes. Beer from Starr Hill, organic wine from Loving Cup Vineyard, and Charlottesville’s best tacos will be served. The museum will unveil an outdoor yarnbombing exhibition titled Yarning History¸in celebration of Indigenous contributions to art history.

Closing out the series on August 18, Devil’s Backbone beer, Early Mountain Vineyard wine, and Potter’s Hard Cider will all be available, as well as soul and cajun food vendors. My Darling Fury, a local indie pop trio, will play their original tunes that are characterized by complex rhythmic structures, operatic-sized dramatics and chamber music intimacy.

Each event will have a kid’s zone with various activities for children of all ages. The exhibition Yimardoowarra: Artist of the River, which features work by 105 year old artist Loongkoonan, will also be on view throughout the summer. Flat-chat tours, brief ten minute tours that focus on one object from the permanent collection, will be a chance to dive a little deeper.

The event is free for members of the museum or $5 for non-members. A special membership rate of $25 per household is available at the door.

Contact Lauren Maupin at [email protected] or 434-244-0234 with questions.