On Christmas Day, 1937, an unexpected letter dropped on President Franklin Roosevelt’s desk.
A written offer to give the country an immense art collection. But not just that… it also offered to build the huge gallery needed to display it. And the plans to accomplish it.
Less than 5 years later, the National Gallery of Art opened on the National Mall.
It was dedicated on March 18, 1941.
From the day it opened through today, it has forever free admission and is open every day but Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Originally a core collection of primarily European works filled the building. With the addition of the East Building in 1978 and the Sculpture Garden in 1987 the size and breadth of the collection is now vast.
Today, the NGA boasts the world’s largest collection of Calder sculptures, Degas sculptures, and Rothko drawings and paintings.
As we approach March 18th, I’m grateful again for the immense gift of art to the nation.
And Andrew Mellon, who conceived of the National Gallery, gave funds, the art and the building, would be pleased. He asked that it not be named for him. But I remember him each time I visit.
Come visit for yourself and enjoy your inheritance as an American.
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