The Denver Art Museum has received its largest-ever donation of $25 million, leading to the launch of the North Project
Denver is rollin’ in dough as this year comes to a close. A few grants have been awarded to our city this year, yet another one came in the form of $25 million for building enhancements to the Denver Art Museum. Board Chairman J. Landis Martin and his wife, Sharon Martin, pledged the large sum to the DAM as a catalyst to start the revitalization of the museum’s North Building. It is project that renovations should completed by its 50th anniversary in 2021.
The donation announcement was made December 8, during the annual Collectors’ Choice fundraiser. The museum honored the Martins for their generous donation, as well as their years of philanthropic efforts and leadership.
"Tonight we celebrate Lanny and Sharon Martin for their decades of service and guidance to the Denver Art Museum. The Martins’ longstanding commitment to our campus, major programs, special exhibitions and collection acquisitions has elevated the museum into a national and international destination. Their lead gift in renovating the North Building, a Civic Center anchor and modernist gem, will launch a new era for the museum and ensure the highest quality programs and service to our more than 700,000 annual visitors.” - Christoph Heinrich, the Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of DAM
The building will be renamed The J. Landis and Sharon Martin Building in recognition of their generous gift.
The North building has an amazing history. Considered one of the most significant objects in the Museum’s collection, the North Building’s seven story silhouette is regarded as one of the first-ever high-rise art museums. It is also the only completed building in North America by Italian architect Gio Ponti.
[gallery size="large" ids="6512,6511"]
The North Project is projected to cost a total of $150 million. These plans will unite the museum’s campus and upgrade the North building in accordance to the Hamilton Building’s 21st century systems and art experiences. This will include expanded resources for the kiddos and school groups. The plans will also assist in properly circulating visitors around the buildings.
The North Project has several goals in mind. Including stewardship of the building and connecting to the community. The most important goal, of course, is celebrating learning and engagement with art and culture.
