The Hyde Collection is offering to put something extra in the stockings of city residents for the holiday season. In addition to its annual Pay as you Wish program throughout December, the museum is offering half-price membership to anyone living within the 12801 postal zip code.
This is the museum’s fourth year of Pay as you Wish, when admission fees are waived and guests are encouraged to answer a brief survey and make a donation based on their experience. The feedback is used to help The Hyde staff improve the visitor experience and the by-donation admission ensures everyone has access to the art museum.
“Pay as you Wish is a great way for us to learn how we can improve The Hyde experience,” said Anne Saile, interim director. “Over the past few years, we have learned a lot about what visitors want from the Museum and we have been able to make changes based on suggestions offered.”
Among the changes incorporated are a weekly free admission day for seniors, engaging programming, an interactive “guide by cell” feature, and a broader array of merchandise in the museum shop.
Returned this December, after last year’s inaugural season, is the historic Hyde House being decorated for the holidays. The courtyard features a 12-foot-tall tree, festive foliage and poinsettias and white lights. The Italian Renaissance architecture and expansive windows make a backdrop for family holiday photos. In the library and dining room of the historic home, Hyde family holiday treasures are displayed and mantels swathed in greens.
Other traditions at The Hyde are Gus the Elf on the Shelf, chronicling his museum adventures on social media and hiding throughout The Hyde for children to search out; and discounted membership rates, with half-off for city residents and buy-one-membership-and-get-a-second-half-off for everyone.
A tour will be offered at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19. People can tour Hyde House by candlelight and learn about The Hyde’s permanent collection artworks and their connection to the traditions of gift giving and illumination. Tour admission is $15 for museum members and $20 for non-members.
Those interested can contact Kayla at 518-792-1761, ext. 310, or adminassist@hydecollection.org.