It was a short-lived honeymoon for the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke as both attendance and revenue flagged amid a souring economy and in stark contrast to consultants’ “worst case” estimates. The museum began making a series of significant cost cutting and efficiency moves shortly after it opened on November 8, 2008 that have kept it on an even, albeit under-performing, keel. Museum organizers all concur that it has been a difficult time to begin such a project but insist that the museum is “here to stay.” On a positive note, Museum Director of External Affairs Kimberley Templeton advises that “things are going very well – memberships continue to grow, programs are well attended, and the museum continues to form partnerships and collaborate with other organizations in the community.” She also added that the “Art Matters” program is thriving and that the museum continues to get significant media coverage as evidenced by the 2009 International Architecture Award received in October.
