Three major cultural institutions in Hawaii — Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art and ‘Iolani Palace — are teaming up for the first time tonight to present an evening of cultural exploration and fun.
In "Two Museums and a Royal Palace," food, drinks, entertainment, tours and other activities will be offered at each site from 5 to 10 p.m.
A single admission of $10 ($5 for children ages 4-12) provides access to all three; members get in free. Shuttle buses will run between venues at no cost.
Sponsored by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the event is intended "to bring our islands’ culture and heritage to life for both kamaaina and visitors," Kippen de Alba Chu, director of ‘Iolani Palace, said in a news release. "It is a strategic collaboration meant to showcase Hawaii’s historic and artistic assets and to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of how Native Hawaiian traditions permeate our society even today."
Bishop Museum President and CEO Blair D. Collis noted that the event will allow people a rare chance to experience the museums at night. Nighttime tours by candlelight and flashlight will be offered at the palace, which normally opens only one night a year in December.
Here is the rundown of activities:
BISHOP MUSEUM
1525 Bernice St., 847-3511, www.bishopmuseum.org
» Art activities on Gallery Lawn, 5 to 9 p.m.
» Docent-led guided tours of Hawaiian Hall, 5 to 10 p.m.
» Live music on Gallery Lawn, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
» "Sky Tonight" planetarium shows every hour on the half-hour, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
» "Ola Na Mo‘olelo" storytelling and "Hula Nei" interactive hula program every hour on the hour, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART
900 S. Beretania St., 532-8700, www.honolulumuseum.org
» Ceramics demonstrations, make a tattoo arm sleeve art activity, storyteller Lopaka Kapanui spins chicken-skin tales inspired by artwork in the Holt Gallery of the Arts of Hawai‘i, 5 to 9 p.m.
» Chaotic Five children’s rock band, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
» "Live Art" with docents dressing up as some of the museum’s notable artworks, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
» Animated short-film series "E Ho‘omau!" and shorts by animator Laura Margulies, 7 to 10 p.m.
‘IOLANI PALACE
364 S. King St., 522-0822, www.IolaniPalace.org
» Tours, live music, food and a beer garden in the Barracks Courtyard, 5 to 10 p.m.
