NEW ORLEANS, LA.- Yesterday, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and Ogden Museum of Southern Art announced an estimated $20 million bequest from real estate developer, civic leader and philanthropist Mr. Roger H. Ogden to establish The Ogden Fund. By choosing to endow The Ogden Fund, Mr. Ogden ensures an annual charitable gift to the Museum in perpetuity while the Fund grows over time in the Foundation’s expertly managed investment portfolio.

“We deeply appreciate Roger’s vision and generosity in making New Orleans the leading city for Southern art in our nation, and for his commitment to ensuring that Ogden Museum of Southern Art has the resources it needs for generations to come,” said Andy Kopplin, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “By endowing The Ogden Fund at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Roger’s commitment to the Museum will ensure it remains financially strong for the future. We are honored to be his partner in managing The Ogden Fund.”

“I am excited to partner with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to help execute my vision for Ogden Museum of Southern Art in its 20th year,” said Roger Ogden, Founder of Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Greater New Orleans Foundation Board Member. “As a Greater New Orleans Foundation board member, we at the Foundation bring many people together to invest in groups, places and people in our region. With this gift, we at the Ogden are working to solidify our impact long after we’re gone so that the Museum will remain here showing visitors the evolution of arts in the American South.”

Roger Ogden has been a leader in the development and acquisition of more than $2 billion in commercial real estate including shopping centers, hotels and office properties and public pro bono projects. As co-founder of Stirling Properties, for 20 years he led the company as principal and CEO in the development and acquisition of a $200 million portfolio of shopping centers. On the New Orleans Aviation Board, he has helped lead the development of a new $1 billion world- class terminal, which opened in the fall of 2019.

Committed to the arts, Mr. Ogden donated over 1,000 works from his personal collection to found Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which opened in August 2003. Located in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans, the Museum holds the largest and most comprehensive public collection of Southern Art. Additionally, the Museum is recognized for its original exhibitions, public events and educational programs. Since Mr. Ogden’s original donation, the Museum’s collection has grown to include nearly 5,000 works donated from individuals and collectors from across the United States.

“As Ogden Museum of Southern Art celebrates 20 years, Roger’s gift is a true mark on the life cycle of an incredible institution as the largest bequest in the Museum’s history,” William Pittman Andrews, The Helis Foundation Executive Director, Ogden Museum of Southern Art. “We are thankful for Roger’s vision in support of our unique, educational mission to celebrate the excellence and diversity of Southern art.”

By establishing the endowed Fund at the Foundation, Mr. Odgen’s philanthropic intent will be captured exactly as he wishes it to be, and the Foundation and Fund will support Ogden Museum of Southern Art in perpetuity.