The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) has received a record $75 million donation to finance a new gallery building on its campus. The gift comes from art collector Aaron I. Fleishman and author Lin Lougheed, the donation is the largest singular naming gift in the museum’s history.
According to a statement from the AIC, the donation will allow the museum to expand its collection space and best utilize its historic location in downtown Chicago. The Institute plans to allocate the funds toward a new gallery for its late 19th century, modern, and contemporary art collections.
“We are beyond grateful to collaborate with Aaron and Lin to imagine the future of our campus,” said James Rondeau, President, and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute of Chicago. “Their exceptional generosity and vision will allow our aspirations to become a reality and I am grateful for their dedication to Chicago, and to serving our visitors for generations to come.”
The new gallery will reportedly be named The Aaron I. Fleischman and Lin Lougheed Building. According to the AIC, Fleishman has been a Trustee of the Art Institute for 15 years and donated pieces to numerous museum exhibitions.
“The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the world’s great art collections,” said Fleischman in a statement. “Lin and I are excited about naming a new building that will create additional space for visitors to see more of the collection than they have ever been able to see before, and for the museum to tell a more complete story of modern and contemporary art.”