![12269069_577125180426_1825842124_o.jpg.jpe 12269069_577125180426_1825842124_o.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34301/download/12269069_577125180426_1825842124_o.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
There's something odd about walking through a museum that's not quite ready to open.
![img_1734.jpg.jpe img_1734.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34281/download/img_1734.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
The lights are a little dim.
![dsc_0131.jpg.jpe dsc_0131.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34284/download/dsc_0131.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
![dsc_0267.jpg.jpe dsc_0267.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34285/download/dsc_0267.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
There are cardboard boxes, packing materials, and ladders strewn about.
![dsc_0122.jpg.jpe dsc_0122.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34286/download/dsc_0122.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
Hammers and forklifts clang and rumble in the distance.
![dsc_0110.jpg.jpe dsc_0110.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34289/download/dsc_0110.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
![img_1748.jpg.jpe img_1748.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34290/download/img_1748.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
Blank spaces and taped-on labels hang alongside multi-million-dollar masterpieces as plain-clothed workers rush briskly by, not giving the art a seconds thought.
![img_1754.jpg.jpe img_1754.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34291/download/img_1754.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
In some ways, it's the opposite of what an art museum environment is supposed to be; quiet, reverent, stoic, even sterile.
![img_1738.jpg.jpe img_1738.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34294/download/img_1738.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
![dsc_0200.jpg.jpe dsc_0200.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34295/download/dsc_0200.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
But at the same time, I don't know if I've ever enjoyed a museum visit more. I felt like we had snuck in. Like we had some secret handshake with all the art that hung before us. While this painting may not have been lit perfectly or that sculpture probably wasn't supposed to include a ladder nearby. It felt personal. Instead of seeing a celebrity at their best, we were allowed to have a one-on-one as they wearily awoke.
![dsc_0239.jpg.jpe dsc_0239.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34296/download/dsc_0239.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
![dsc_0261.jpg.jpe dsc_0261.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34299/download/dsc_0261.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
![img_1712.jpg.jpe img_1712.jpg.jpe](https://shepherdexpress.com/downloads/34300/download/img_1712.jpg.jpe?cb=64c3ca535d9f20df798a66bad0a14a99&w={width}&h={height})
Catch the entire new collection in all it's ready-to-be-viewed glory at the Grand Re-opening next week.
All photos and text by Daniel Fleming. Make sure to check out any and all of Daniel's work at the following links, or, schedule a visit at his new studio in the Third Ward.