$1M gift supports art museum’s Free Fridays program

The Claremont Museum of Art will be renamed in honor of Inland Empire real estate developer Randall Lewis following a $1 million gift from the philanthropist.

The museum will assign $850,000 of the gift to its endowment for ongoing operational costs. The remaining $150,000 will be used to complete phase two of the museum’s expansion and to support efforts to increase public access through additional programming.

“This strategic endowment gift helps secure the future of our community museum,” officials said in a news release. “It comes at a particularly opportune time in the evolution of the museum, with two new galleries just completed and plans underway for expanded programming and accessibility to benefit the Claremont community and the region.”

The board of directors is expected to meet soon to modify the museum’s name to Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, officials said.

The donation supports the launch of Free Fridays at the museum, welcoming the public at no cost starting today.

“We are deeply appreciative of these very generous gifts, as they give us the opportunity to reimagine new, exciting ways to engage families and community members with the arts,” board

President Elaine Turner said.

Lewis, 70, is one of four brothers running a homebuilding and commercial real estate dynasty created by their parents, Ralph and Goldy Lewis. He is executive vice president and a principal of Lewis Management Corp., a member of the Upland-based Lewis Group of Companies.

In recent years, Randall Lewis has boosted his philanthropic profile in the Inland Empire, donating to several educational institutions that have named centers after him, including innovation and entrepreneurship centers at Claremont-mckenna College and the University of La Verne’s Randall Lewis Center for Wellbeing and Research.

In 2016, Lewis provided a significant donation to complete phase one of the historic Claremont Depot renovation, making a home for the art museum.

“It is an honor to support the Claremont Museum of Art and to raise awareness of this wonderful community asset,” Lewis said. “The arts are such a vital part of the Claremont experience, and it is my hope that the museum will be able to play an even greater role in promoting and showcasing artistry and creativity.”

The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, in the historic Claremont Depot, is at 200 W. First St.

Hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.