(TNS) — If you have not been to the State Museum of Pennsylvania lately, you need to go again. Quick.

And if you’re one of those Pennsylvanians who’s never set foot inside, you should be ashamed. The “Art of the State” exhibit is not to be missed. You only have until Sept. 18, or you will miss it completely.

In fact, you have only about a year to visit the State Museum of Pennsylvania before it closes – for a whole three years. The good news is it will reopen better than ever. The museum is taking a hiatus for good reason – to undergo upgrades and renovations that will propel it into the 21st century.

These days, the museum is still a joy to visit, but not when both the elevator and escalator are down, forcing visitors to walk up four flights of stairs to get to the planetarium. That actually happened. A woman in a wheelchair had to take the freight elevator with her comfort dog.

Founded in 1905, it’s irrefuable the State Museum of Pennsylvania deserves some rest and revitalization. It has not always occupied the same place at 300 North St. just next to the state capitol.

The current museum and state archives were completed after much political wrangling in 1964 at a cost of more than $9 million. The renovations that begin next year will cost considerably more — an estimated $55 million.

It took more than two years to complete the building, which officially opened to much fanfare as a state-of-the-art complex in 1965. Its official opening celebration was held on Oct. 13, 1965, in tribute to William Penn’s birthday.

In the ensuing decades, the state museum has been laser focused on highlighting the commonwealth’s natural environment, culture, art and history, including the battles like the big one in Gettysburg up to today’s struggle for civil rights and social justice.

But don’t be fooled, this is no dull and dusty collection of stuffed bears, rocks, and Pennsylvania Dutch quilts, as Curt Miner, Chief of Interpretation, well notes in his overview of the vast swathe of history and memorabilia the museum covers. He advises it’s worth carving out at least a half day or more to explore its four floors, starting with “Art of the State.”

The art in the second-floor gallery is nothing less than world-class stunning. And it’s all thanks to Pennsylvania artists.

Amy Hammond, senior curator of cultural history and project director for “Art of the State,” rightly boasts the collection contains some of the most creative and inspiring works anywhere in the world.

The artists featured in “Art of the State” have passed more than a little muster. They’ve competed in a juried event against their peers from throughout the state in a contest that is now 58 years old. Hammond says the gallery features the creations of 95 artists across more than 30 counties and includes not only paintings, but sculptures, photographs and even new-age digital concoctions.

For any of them to wind up on the walls of the State Museum of Pennsylvania is an accomplishment any artist would covet. And it’s surprising several of those who emerged as winners in the annual competition are not necessarily full-time artists.

Some, like first-place painter Judeth Pekala Hawkins no doubt have spent long hours in solitary, contemplative pursuit of beauty, meaning and inspiration.

Others, like Dr. Marissa McHugh, have full-time jobs and eke out their work when they can. The acclaimed quilter is a vascular surgeon whose art provides escape from the life and death stresses of the operating room.

It’s all a reflection of the art and genius of Pennsylvania. But it soon will be shuttered, at least for a while. So there’s no time to waste. The sun is indeed setting on a glorious period in Pennsylvania’s cultural history.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all those throughout the decades who have preserved the commonwealth’s unique history, art and culture — not only for us, but for generations yet to come.

(Joyce M. Davis is PennLive’s Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook, Bluesky @joycemdavis.bsky.social and X @byjoycedavis.)