Cleveland Museum of Art Concludes Capital Campaign

Cleveland (October 24, 2016) William Griswold, Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art, has announced the successful conclusion of the capital campaign that raised funds to support the museum’s historic renovation and expansion project.  The building project was completed on time and $30 million under budget at $320 million. The announcement was made at the museum’s centennial gala, CMAx100 on October 22. 

In all, 1,236 donors contributed to the capital campaign with gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and others ranging from $1 to the multimillion-dollar level. More than 61% of funds raised came from individual donors, with foundations representing the second-largest contributing sector at 26%. “We deeply appreciate the tremendous generosity of everyone who rallied around this opportunity to restore the clarity of the museum’s original architecture, while simultaneously significantly expanding our institution’s footprint, thus increasing our ability to showcase the collection and improve the visitor’s experience,” said Griswold. “A century ago, the museum’s founders set an example that has enriched the lives of generations of Clevelanders, creating a world-class museum that is free and accessible to all. The broad base of support for this campaign reflects widespread recognition and appreciation of the museum’s significance as one of Cleveland’s and the nation’s premier cultural institutions.” 

Newly appointed chairman of the museum’s Board of Trustees, Peter Raskind, said, “The outstanding success of our capital campaign reflects donors’ confidence in both a short- and long-term return on investment that will benefit the museum, its visitors and the community. We thank them for believing in this tremendous community asset.”

The expanded facility includes the museum’s two fully renovated architectural landmarks––the original 1916 Beaux Arts building designed by Hubbell and Benes and Marcel Breuer’s 1971 addition with its distinctive façade of alternating granite stripes––and the splendid expansion designed by architect Rafael Viñoly. The renovation and expansion project includes a 33-percent increase in permanent collection gallery space, improved and expanded exhibition spaces, the award-winning Gallery One interactive learning center and updated visitor amenities. In addition, the soaring 39,000-square-foot Ames Family Atrium connecting the various museum wings has become a favorite gathering space for the Cleveland community. The museum now consists of a total of 592,000 square feet, including more than 130,000 square feet of gallery space.

“With its inviting spaces, renowned collection and increasing focus on contemporary art, the museum begins its second century with momentum and excitement,” said Scott Mueller, museum trustee and the Board’s Development Committee chair who led the campaign in its final phase.  “It gives me great satisfaction that together we have made possible the transformation of this great institution.”