ST. LOUIS, MO.- The Saint Louis Art Museum announced that longtime corporate supporter Emerson increased its commitment to The Campaign for the Saint Louis Art Museum from $3 million to $5 million, making it the most significant corporate cash gift the Museum has ever received.

On January 19, 2010, the Museum announced the public phase of its $145 million Campaign for the Saint Louis Art Museum. With Emerson’s increased pledge, more than $142 million in gifts have been committed to date.

“The Saint Louis Art Museum is immensely grateful for Emerson’s extended generosity,” said Museum Director Brent R. Benjamin. “St. Louis is fortunate to have visionary corporate leaders like Emerson who understand that investing in arts and culture is of benefit to citizens throughout the entire region.”

Designed by British architect David Chipperfield, the more-than-200,000-square-foot expansion represents a 30 percent increase in the Museum’s gallery and public space and will more than double its former parking capacity. In addition to providing increased gallery space, the design includes extensive improvements that address infrastructural deficiencies that have challenged the institution for more than a century.

“Emerson is proud to be a corporate supporter of the Saint Louis Art Museum,” said Emerson Chief Executive David Farr. “As one of the first contributors to the campaign, Emerson knows that financial support is critical to enabling the Art Museum to continue its mission to bring new cultural expression and unique programs to the St. Louis community.”

Emerson has supported major projects at the Museum for over 30 years. The company contributed to a capital campaign for the Museum that provided for the Sculpture Hall and East Wing renovations in the 1970s.

The Museum will remain open to the public throughout construction and will continue to operate on its regular schedule. A public opening of the David Chipperfield–designed expansion is anticipated in early 2013.