MONTREAL.- The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Renata Hornstein, three months after the death of her husband, Michal, and weeks before the inauguration of the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace. Scheduled to open in November, it will feature their gift of a major collection of 70 works by Old Masters.

Recently, at a preview of the new Pavilion for Peace, Renata Hornstein shared her impressions: “I’m so moved to be here today for the unveiling of the Pavilion for Peace. I’m dazzled by this spectacular, light-filled building, which will house the works Michal and I collected throughout our lives and cherished for so many years. I’m looking forward to the inauguration in November, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who believed in this project and offer them my deepest gratitude […] The new pavilion will serve as a remarkable gateway to international art for Museum regulars and new visitors alike. I can’t wait to invite people to explore the Pavilion for Peace and to make it their own.”

“Renata Hornstein was a remarkable woman and an outstanding benefactor,” said Jacques Parisien, President of the MMFA’s Board - “She and Michal gave the Museum an exceptional gift that enriches our national heritage. Regrettably, Mrs. Hornstein will not be with us when we inaugurate the new Pavilion for Peace, named for her and her husband. We will honour them at the opening events in a way that befits their involvement and their uncommon generosity.”

«Our parents lived life on a big scale. They squeezed a lot from the opportunities they were given, lived a lot, accomplished a lot, and gave a lot. To us, their children, they provided a model to shoot for. Our parents weren’t just great individuals and a remarkable couple. They were citizens who loved Montreal, their adopted city, and contributed to making it an even more wonderful place to live. We are lucky to have been born their children. » shared Norbert and Sari Hornstein.

The Museum applauds Mrs. Hornstein’s courage, determination and generosity and offers its heartfelt condolences to her family: her two children, Sari and Norbert (Amy), grandchildren Alex, Genna‐Rose and Eric (Maura) and her niece Tamar Witelson, and grand-nephew Aidan Chaim Witelson.

“Renata wanted to be there to inaugurate the Pavilion for Peace, but she is now resting in peace next to her beloved husband,” said Nathalie Bondil. “She was a strong, courageous, cultivated, brilliant and generous woman—a true inspiration. Although she endured many tribulations—the Holocaust, emigration, illness, disability—she retained her sharp intellect, poetic sensibility, optimistic outlook and stunning elegance. She was admired by all, first and foremost by her husband, Michal. Their love for the arts is exemplified by their outstanding gift to the Museum, which was spearheaded by Renata. We say farewell to our dear friends, to this legendary couple who is no more.”