CINCINNATI, OH.- The Taft Museum of Art needs approximately $3.6 million to meet its capital campaign costs for a major renovation and expansion project . During this season of giving, Museum officials are making a strong appeal to reach goals before next year’s reopening. And they’re getting some help.

The Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts and a generous friend of the Museum have each pledged $500,000 for a total of $1 million. But there’s a catch. To get the money, the Museum must raise $1 million in matching funds.

"We’re approaching the two-minute warning. This challenge signals that it is time for the rest of the community to step up and be part of this project," said Phillip C. Long, director of the Taft Museum of Art.

"The tradition of community partnership began with the Tafts themselves," Long said. "In 1927 they pledged a gift of $1 million along with a challenge to the citizens of Cincinnati to raise $2.5 million to endow the Cincinnati Symphony and to establish the Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts."

The Museum recently announced that it plans to reopen to the public on Saturday, May 15, 2004 after a vital two-and-a-half year renovation and expansion. The project approximately doubles the institution’s size.

But a considerable amount of work needs to be completed before May. Now is when donors can get involved and really make their money work. To receive the gifted funds, community matching contributions must be in by May 15.

Those who would like to contribute can call the Museum and speak with Cynthia Kearns, Development Associate, at 513-684-4519. Checks can be made out to the Taft Museum of Art and sent to:

Campaign for the Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

The first renovation and expansion of the Museum since it opened in 1932, the project includes state-of-the-art gallery lighting, increased accessibility, and new electrical and heating/cooling systems. New facilities include:

The Fifth Third Bank Special Exhibitions Gallery, which nearly triples the Museum’s space for special exhibitions

The Charles H. Dater Education Room, which provides permanent classroom and studio space Luther Hall, a lecture and performance facility

The Corbett Educator Resource Center, which will aid teachers in developing arts-integrated curriculum for their classrooms The three-story expansion wing also houses an expanded Museum Shop, an intimate Tea Room, and a 70-space parking garage.

The new facility will allow the Museum to expand its educational outreach programs. The Museum offers year-round, free and affordable educational programs to families and youth, including Families Create!, a monthly hands-on art program; Summer Art Day Camp; and Artists Reaching Classrooms, which connects professional artists with high-school students.

At the eastern end of Fourth Street and downtown Cincinnati’s business district, the Museum welcomes approximately 50,000 visitors annually and hopes to double that figure by 2007.

Built in 1820, the Taft Museum of Art is a National Historic Landmark. The Federal period building houses nearly 700 works of art, including European and American paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Sargent, Turner, Hals, and Whistler; Chinese porcelains; and European decorative arts. It is known worldwide as one of the finest small art museums in America.