Great news from the Art Institute of Chicago: it has received the largest philanthropic gift in their history a few weeks ago!
According to the Chicago Tribune, a major private contemporary art collection with the value estimated at $400 million is being donated to the Art Institute of Chicago by local philanthropists Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson, in what the museum is calling the largest gift of art in its history. This is incredibly fortunate for the Art Institute, and will bring further recognition to the Art Institute and the entire city of Chicago.
Of the 42 total pieces, there are works from famous artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and many others spanning from 1953 to 2011. With 9 pieces from Andy Warhol, experts have claimed that it is one of the most significant collections of its kind in the entire world.
“It’s a powerful statement to have a collection of this international stature staying here in Chicago,” Robert Levy, chairman of the Art Institute’s board, told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s unbelievably exciting for the Art Institute, for the city of Chicago, for the entire art community of Chicago. It’s all good.”
The Art Institute will begin displaying the collection in its second-floor galleries of its Modern Wing beginning in January.
Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson boast a collection of 200 works that they keep in Aspen, Colorado. They are some of the top art collectors in the world, and great philanthropists as well.
At Philanthropic People, we thank these two philanthropists for their generosity!
What do you think of this wonderful donation to the Art Institute of Chicago? What is your favorite kind of art?