Frequently Asked Questions
Location & Amenities
- Where is the museum located?
- Where should I park?
- Is there a museum store?
- Can you reserve the museum to host your own event?
- Is the museum accessible to all?
Hours & Admission
- When are you open?
- What is your admission?
- Does the Ella offer discounts?
- Does the Ella have reciprocal memberships and how do I get one?
Exhibits, Programming, and Events
- What is currently on display in the museum galleries?
- Can I tour the historical buildings?
- What is Art a’ Loan?
- Does the museum schedule group visits?
- What family-friendly events are there?
- Where can I find information about the Art, Beer, & Wine Festival?
Classes
Social Media
Collections
Location & Amenities
Where is the museum located?
Ella sharp Museum is located inside of Ella Sharp Park. Our address is 3225 Fourth Street, Jackson, MI 49203 but the entrance to the museum is located on the East side of the museum buildings within the park.
Park Street Closure*
(3) Streets through Ella Sharp Park are closed through the Winter Months: Birchwood Drive, Maplewood Drive, and W. Hickory Avenue. Please use the main park entrance on 4th street.
Read the full press coverage here.
Where should I park?
Parking is free and located in front of the museum entrance inside of Ella Sharp Park.
Is there a museum store?
The area formally known as the gift shop is a space that now accommodates pop-up exhibits and pop-up stores. The space is only open during certain times of the year. Please call the museum to learn about the next pop up exhibit and store info.
Can you reserve the museum to host your own event?
We would love for you to host your event at Ella Sharp Museum. You can learn more about our facility rentals by clicking here and by calling the museum at 517-787-2320.
Is the museum accessible to all?
We strive to create an inviting and inclusive environment for everyone.
- Ella Sharp Museum is ADA compliant
- Free parking at the museum entrance
- Public areas are wheelchair accessible with the exception of some of our outdoor historical buildings
- All museum restrooms are wheelchair accessible with changing tables
- Walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters are welcome
- The Ella welcomes service animals
- The museum has a downloadable social narrative here
- A sensory friendly backpack is available to check out at the information desk
- Resting spaces are available in the museum lobby, on the outdoor grounds, and in the museum galleries
For additional information, contact our visitor services at 517-787-2320 or info@ellasharp.org.
Hours & Admission
When are you open?
The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday. Hours of operation can be found here.
What is your admission?
Gallery admission: $5 per adults, $3 per child, FREE for members and children under 5.
Farmhouse Tours: $3 per adult, $2 per child, FREE for members and children under 5.
Planetarium Shows: $6 per adult, $4 per child, $4 for members, FREE for children under 5.
Does the Ella offer discounts?
Museum members receive free admission into the galleries, free house tours and discounted planetarium shows. We also offer free admission to museum card holders that have the NARM reciprocal membership sticker.
The Ella is also an active member of the Museums for All program. Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free admission to the Ella Sharp Museum.
Does the Ella have reciprocal memberships and how do I get one?
Ella Sharp Museum is an active member of the North American Reciprocal Museum. Members at the family membership and above receive access to thousands of art, cultural, and historical institutions. Learn more about museum membership here.
Exhibits, Programming, and Events
What is currently on display in the museum galleries?
The Ella offers a variety of art, history, and science exhibits throughout each year. For more information on our current traveling, in-house, and semi-permanent exhibits, visit our exhibit page here.
Can I tour the historical buildings?
The inside of the historical buildings are currently closed.
What does the planetarium offer?
The Hurst Planetarium currently offers in-person private shows, virtual night sky tours and rentals. Learn more >
Does the museum schedule group visits?
The museum offers scheduled guided group visits and school group visits that are hosted by our trained docents and staff. Please contact the Director of Learning and Engagement at 517-787-2320.
What family-friendly events are there?
We are a place of art, history, and science and offer something for everyone! Click here to see our upcoming featured events.
What is Art a’ Loan?
The Ella hosts the Art a’ Loan exhibit every year with the collaboration of k-12 students and teachers. Learn more here.
Classes
What type of classes do you offer?
The museum currently only offers seasonal adult ceramic classes taught by professional artists and instructors. More details about the current adult ceramic classes can be found here.
Photographs & Social Media
Can I take pictures and post on social media?
We encourage our visitors to take pictures while here unless certain traveling exhibits prohibit photography. In that case, the museum is responsible for putting up signage to remind visitors that photography is not allowed.
Flash photography and tripods are never allowed within the museum exhibits and historical buildings.
Tag us! Share with us! And check-in while you are here. You can follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
Collections
How can I donate an object?
Yes! Please visit our collections page for more information.