Cleveland Museum of Art Receives $20 Million Campaign Gift

CLEVELAND, OH (March 5, 2015) – The Cleveland Museum of Art announced today a $19 million campaign challenge gift from Trustee and Dealer Tire CEO Scott Mueller, age 51, which nearly completes the institution’s decade-long capital fundraising effort. When combined with Mr. Mueller’s initial campaign commitment of $1 million, three $1 million restricted gifts and his annual contributions, at more than $23 million, he ranks among the top donors in the museum’s history.

“Mr. Mueller’s historic commitment represents the capstone of our capital campaign. We are simply in awe of his generosity and believe that these gifts further establish his standing among Cleveland’s storied philanthropists,” said Cleveland Museum of Art Director William M. Griswold. “Mr. Mueller’s giving has impacted so many dimensions of the museum’s work and reinforces everything we’re trying to accomplish.”

In September 2014, Griswold announced a $10 million challenge gift from an anonymous donor. Now confirmed to be from Mr. Mueller, the challenge commitment has nearly doubled to $19 million. With more than half of the requisite match funds raised in the last quarter of 2014, the museum expects to close the books on the capital campaign in 2015.

The historic $320 million renovation and expansion capital project was completed in 2013 on time and under budget. New features of the museum include the 39,000 square-foot Ames Family Atrium, three new wings, the renovation of the 1916 building, a 33 percent increase in gallery space, the award-winning Gallery One interactive learning center, updated visitor amenities and more.

The challenge gift comes alongside an additional $2 million from Mr. Mueller—$1 million to support the acquisition of contemporary works for the collection and $1 million to fund contemporary art exhibitions and publications. Mr. Mueller had previously given $1 million in support of contemporary acquisitions.

“I have supported the Cleveland Museum of Art for a number of years in recognition of its renowned collection,” said Mr. Mueller. “But these gifts are also intended to incentivize the institution in its pursuit of outstanding contemporary art acquisitions and research as well as the presentation of work by new and emerging artists. Moreover, I have no doubt that under Bill’s visionary leadership, our newly expanded museum will enter its next century with every tool necessary to deliver unmatched experiences to Cleveland audiences and beyond.”

The museum will acknowledge Mr. Mueller’s contributions by naming the suite of contemporary galleries and East pavilion in his family’s honor.