Cleveland Museum of Art Celebrates Significant Building Milestones

CLEVELAND (September 19, 2012) – The Cleveland Museum of Art announced today a $20 million commitment to the renovation and expansion project by the Ames Family Foundation. The gift, originally committed in 2008, was announced in conjunction with the opening activities planned for the central space of the institution, henceforth known as the Ames Family Atrium. The Ames Family Atrium will officially open to the public on Sunday, October 28.

"We are proud that the Ames family has chosen to make such a significant contribution to our renovation and expansion project," said David Franklin, the Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art. "Naming this space in their honor recognizes their philanthropic spirit in the Cleveland community."

The Ames Family Atrium, which partially opened to the public in late August, is a stunning, 39,000 square foot piazza at the heart of the Rafael Viñoly-designed renovation and expansion project. The largest free public space in Northeast Ohio, it connects the original 1916 building, the 1971 Marcel Breuer building, and the new east and west wings. The curved glass roof measures between 55 and 66 feet from the floor.

"The Ames Family Atrium will serve as a central hub for the museum, offering visitors a chance to relax and reflect on their experiences in the galleries," said Franklin. "This dynamic space will offer opportunities for temporary art installations, performances. and special events."

The museum will celebrate this significant milestone in the renovation and expansion project with a day of festivities in the Ames Family Atrium on Sunday, October 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A true community celebration, over 40 groups representing different cultures in Cleveland will set up displays showcasing their culture. Music and dance groups will perform throughout the event, including internationally acclaimed Inca Son. Families will also have a chance to enjoy special tours in English and foreign languages, touchable art objects, and art-making activities. A commemorative photo will also be taken.

Additionally, the day marks the first time visitors will have a chance to see the special exhibition Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes. The first exhibition of its kind in North America, the exhibition showcases over 100 works of art from ancient Peru's first empire, the Wari. Alpacas from a nearby farm will greet visitors as they arrive at the museum.

October 28 is also the opening day of the museum's new store and dining services. Provenance, a 76-seat fine dining restaurant and bar, as well as Provenance Café, a casual environment featuring an open kitchen, will serve locally sourced, globally inspired cuisine by chef partner Douglas Katz. The store will feature a variety of products, including some from local artisans.

"We are looking forward to celebrating this gift from the museum to the Northeast Ohio community with a day of activities that everyone can enjoy," said Franklin. "This is the first of many milestones we will celebrate as we near the completion of the renovation and expansion project in late 2013."

The Ames Family Atrium Opening event is sponsored by Panzica/Gilbane Companies and The Rise Group.

Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes is organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art. The exhibition is sponsored by Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP. Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Support for exhibition programming has been provided in part by Georgia and Michael DeHavenon and by the Ohio Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Research for this exhibition was supported by a Curatorial Research Fellowship from the Getty Foundation.