Effective August 1, University of Tennessee Parking and Transportation (UTPT) implemented a new parking strategy across campus. As part of this strategy, UTPT transitioned most spaces in the lot surrounding Circle Park to hourly paid parking. In response, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture has partnered with UTPT to secure ten complimentary spaces for museum visitors.
The McClung Museum remains committed to providing free access to museum guests whenever possible. Thanks to this arrangement with UTPT, visitors to the museum will continue to enjoy complimentary parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
“While the parking model on campus may be changing, the McClung Museum’s approach to free access remains the same,” said Executive Director of the McClung Museum Claudio Gómez. “By collaborating closely with UT Parking and Transportation, we’re making sure that guests can continue to enjoy the museum’s exhibits and programs without an additional expense.”
The McClung Museum offers free admission and hosts a variety of free public events throughout the year, including Fun Family Days, diverse lectures, movie screenings, wellness classes, artist demonstrations, and more. By offering these parking spaces, the museum aims to keep visitors engaged in its programs despite the recent changes to campus parking.
To use the museum’s parking spaces, visitors will present their license plateinformation at the guest services desk and museum staff will assist them with validation. Those without a validated pass will be charged $2 an hour for parking. To learn more about the new parking model, visit https://parking.utk.edu/about-permits/visitors.
The McClung Museum receives essential support from Museum Members and donors, which helps fund educational programming for local families and K-12 school groups, as well as vital research and high-quality exhibitions. To continue providing these valuable resources and offset the cost of parking changes, the museum is seeking sponsorships from local businesses to support museum initiatives and help provide an accessible environment for all visitors. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact museum@utk.edu.
About the McClung Museum
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is at 1327 Circle Park Drive.Museum admission is free, and visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Visitors should register at tiny.utk.edu/visitmcclung and review the visitor guidelines, parking information, and check-in process.
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Contact: Emily Reichard | McClung Museum Communications & Annual GivingProfessional | ereichar@utk.edu
