$3.5 MILLION DONATED TO MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM TO ALLOW CHILDREN FREE ADMISSION
One of the best art museums in the US is the Milwaukee Art Museum. Housed in a stunning building designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it features works by Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Gustave Caillebotte, among others, and allows visitors to explore a wide range of art genres and styles. Younger visitors will now have even greater access to the museum's collection. Children under the age of twelve can now enter free of charge thanks to a $3.54 million anonymous donation.
On December 3, 2024, the day the gift was revealed, the free admission became available. The gift will enable the museum to establish an endowment that will provide perpetual funding for the admission waiver. Since the museum will continue to charge a small fee for its school programs, this program is designed for kids who come with their families or caregivers.
According to a statement from André Allaire, chief development officer at MAM, "This wonderful gift is a celebration of the way that philanthropy can have a significant and lasting impact for generations." “Thanks to the generosity of a person who believes in the power of art to strengthen our community, our youngest museum visitors will be able to access, engage with, and learn from world-class exhibitions and programs free of charge every day.”
The anonymous donor, a native Milwaukee resident, has previously contributed to the museum without disclosing their identity to continue supporting the organisation without getting recognition. They hope to create similar experiences for future generations after spending their entire lives at the museum with their family and reflecting on their happy memories.
"The Milwaukee Art Museum has offered free educational experiences for children since our inception as an organisation," said Marcelle Polednik, director of MAM. "This tradition will continue for future generations of the communities we serve thanks to the endowment created from this inspirational donation."