Chicago's National Museum Of Mexican Art Receives $8 Million Donation

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Jun 15, 2021, 21:02 ET

CHICAGO, June 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Museum of Mexican Art today announced it has received an unrestricted donation of $8 million from advocate and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her husband Dan Jewett. This is the largest single gift in the Museum's 39-year history.

The couple donated $2.74 billion to 286 organizations their charity team identified as equity-oriented, non-profit teams working in areas that have been neglected.

"Arts and cultural institutions can strengthen communities by transforming spaces, fostering empathy, reflecting community identity, advancing economic mobility, improving academic outcomes, lowering crime rates, and improving mental health," Ms. Scott said in a blog post on the gifts, "so we evaluated smaller arts organizations creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook."

"This generous gift will have a lasting and transformative impact on our organization and the community we serve," said Carlos Tortolero, Founder and President of the National Museum of Mexican Art. "Thank you to Ms. Scott and Mr. Jewett for honoring our work and that of the artists whose vision and voices we seek to amplify in Chicago, the US, and throughout the world."

"Art can soothe and can disrupt, but we especially see how art initiates conversations, reveals shared experiences, and fosters understanding," said Carlos Cardenas, Chair, Board of Trustees, National Museum of Mexican Art. "This gift will allow us to expand our commitment to providing exceptional visual and performing arts programs, arts education, and professional development."

Ms. Scott's blog post noted: "Generosity is generative. Sharing makes more. A favorite verse by Rumi captures this well:

'A candle as it diminishes explains,

Gathering more and more is not the way.

Burn, become light and heat and help. Melt.'"

The National Museum of Mexican Art will reopen to the public Thursday, July 1, 2021, having temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the National Museum of Mexican Art
Located in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, the National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the most prominent Latino cultural organizations in the country and the only nationally accredited museum dedicated to Mexican art and culture. In 2020, the Museum earned the honor of being named one of America's Cultural Treasures by the Ford Foundation.

The National Museum of Mexican Art strengthens artistic and cultural diversity in Chicago while illuminating the rich art and history of Mexico. Its Permanent Collection consists of more than 11,000 pieces dating from 200 BCE to the present day. The Museum has presented over 150 exhibitions, provides arts education to 52,000 students each year, and serves over 187,000 annual visitors from 60 countries. Admission is always free. The Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, please call 312-738-1503 or visit www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

SOURCE National Museum of Mexican Art