New Acquisition
MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, Florida, has received the largest gift in the museum’s history from founder and collector Michael A. Mennello. The donation includes 14 paintings and five sculptures, with works by John Sloan, George Wesley Bellows, George Luks, John White Alexander, Louis Ritman, Robert Henri and Josephine Hopper.
In addition to the gift, which comes from Mennello’s private collection, Mennello will also share 20 examples of 20th century painting from his collection of American impressionist works as a permanent loan, including Henry Salem Hubbell’s famous 1930 work Building of the House.
Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer announced with the gift an extended term agreement with the museum, and his support of museum expansion to adjacent city-owned land,allowing it to quadruple in size.“for two decades the Mennello Museum of American Art’s steadfast commitment to presenting important art and educating the public while being accessible to all has been undeniable,” Dyer says. “Despite its modest size, it’s a remarkable institution that truly enriches Orlando’s cultural landscape through diverse programs, an enviable permanent collection, and wonderfully impactful visiting exhibitions.” Sharon Fitzgerald, executive director of the museum, says Mennello’s donation “is an exciting lead gift that I hope puts us on a strong path to advancement as such an expansion, conceptual and physical, is timely in the museum’s life cycle and will place us where we need to be as one of Orlando’s strongest cultural assets.”