Absence & Presence – Exploring the Abandoned Cliff Hotel Open House
December 6 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join Kidzeum for a night of art, history, and wonder as we offer a rare glimpse into a remarkable architectural, historical, and visual treasure in downtown Springfield. The Cliff Hotel, operated between ca. 1910 and 1960, has been abandoned and mothballed for over 50 years. For this special exhibit, the rich patina and ghostly remains of this 16-room hotel will be illuminated and filled with minimalist installations, small tableaus, and multimedia projections intended to highlight the sense of both absence and presence in this rich historical space.
The exhibit is designed by Robert Mazrim, and is located directly across Adams Street from the building that was destroyed by fire in June. It was on the third floor of that building that Mazrim‘s “Pillsburied“ exhibit was located and opened to the public in March. Some of the artworks rescued from the ruins of the fire will be on display on the ground floor reception area for this special event. Also part of the event is a screening of Matthew Konicek’s experimental short film “Historic Shrines”.
Absence & Presence is hosted by the Kidzeum, which owns and maintains the historic hotel. Other artists contributing to the exhibit are Corrin McWhirter and Matthew Konicek. Further support and assistance comes from Bruce Ferry, Derek Ryan, Curtis Mann, Chris Richmond, Sam Leak, Melissa Hansen-Schmadeke, Betsy Dollar, Karen Witter and the Springfield Art Association.
This exhibit is intended to expand upon our traditional audience. The unrenovated hotel space may contain safety hazards, and exhibit content may be challenging for some children. Parents are encouraged to use their discretion.
Members Night:
Wednesday, December 4
5:30-8:30 pm
Includes charcuterie, adult beverages, curator’s talk & admission to Kidzeum. Members free. New guests $25.
Scheduled timed entry to upper floor exhibit. Click below to register.
Open House:
Friday, December 6
5:30-8:30 pm
Access to the hotel and lower floor exhibits. Free to the public. No RSVP is required for December 6th. This event is first come, first served from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tours begin at 5:40. The last entry to the exhibit is at 8:00 pm.
