The time has finally come for the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (the AGB) to reveal its $8 million expansion that's been years in the making. Not only have Lakelanders been eager to see what's inside the new Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing, but artworks in the museum's 3,400-piece collection have patiently awaited their turn on the museum's walls.

We got an inside look at the expansion before it officially opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. Executive Director and Chief Curator Dr. Alexander Rich shared his top six additions you can't miss on your first visit — and we couldn't help but add a few of our own.

1. The building as a whole

The AGB's current main building opened in 1988, and the new wing's contemporary design catapults it into the 21st century. Expect plenty of light, expansive exhibitions, and a grand staircase that's a work of art in itself.

*Can* you believe these iconic works will be on view in Polk County? | Photo by LALtoday

2. "Warhol Condensed"

You can see the pride in Rich's eyes as he talks about this new exhibition on the first floor of the Kerr Wing featuring the works of possibly the most famous American artist of the 20th century. The Marilyn Monroe portraits are sure to become a new selfie spot.

The 26 Florida Highwaymen painted around 200,000 works over their careers. | Photo by LALtoday

3. The art of the Highwaymen

Head up to the second floor to see paintings from two of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of African American artists known for their landscape paintings. On view are works by Alfred Hair and Harold Newton that will transport you to beaches, marshes, and wetlands.

Many of the new exhibition rooms are also equipped with high-tech, built-in projectors and screens, instantly transforming them into lecture halls. | Photo by LALtoday

4. "American Art Since the 1960s"

You'll find recognizable names galore in this exhibition, including Roy Lichtenstein, Ansel Adams, and even more Andy Warhol. Explore how American artists took the reins with styles like Pop Art and Neo-Dada.

This exhibition also features pictures of Herman Leonard's photographs that were damaged during Hurricane Katrina, offering an interesting look at his art and legacy. | Photo by LALtoday

5. "Above All, Enjoy the Music"

Music lovers, this photography exhibition is for you. See the photos of Herman Leonard, who captured smoky jazz lounges and intimate moments with performers like Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra. Pro tip: Don't miss the "Unity Through Diversity: A Celebration of Jazz in the US" event on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. for an intro to this exhibition.

Go for bronze in the "Rodin at the AGB" exhibition — it's one of the first you'll enter in the new wing. | Photo by LALtoday

6. Rodin sculpture collections

The works of sculptor Auguste Rodin have become a staple at the AGB recently, with several of his bronzes on view thanks to a long-term partnership with the Iris and Gerald B. Cantor Foundation. "Rodin at the AGB: Selections from the Cantor Collection" puts 14 sculptures on display — find them in the Kerr Wing and near the entrance of the original building.

Dr. Rich invites guests to view the art both (safely) up close and from a distance, whether large or small. | Photo by LALtoday

Even if you aren't an expert curator like Dr. Rich, you'll feel at home in the AGB. Just take it from these city editors. Don't miss these picks we can't wait to explore more when the museum opens.

City Editor Connor loved "Matters of Scale," an exhibition showcasing some of the largest and smallest works in the museum's collection. Keep an eye out for a page from a medieval book of hours — it's only a few inches tall but makes a big impact.
City Editor Amelia couldn't get enough of the "Surface, Service and Splendor" exhibition, which featured a variety of clay and ceramic works spanning centuries. Nestled in the corner of the Kerr Wing's second floor, its lighting during golden hour will be truly ethereal.

Want to be one of the first to walk the halls of the Kerr Wing? Become a member for an invitation to an exclusive grand opening event on Thursday, Jan. 16. Membership also includes more event invites, discounts on art classes, and reciprocal admission to museums nationwide.