This has been a year of great progress for both the BMA’s exciting renovation project as well as its comprehensive philanthropic campaign. The first phase of the Museum’s ambitious $24.5 million capital renovation is nearly realized with the successful completion of many physical improvements in the Contemporary Wing, such as state-of-the art lighting; a new soundproof black box gallery for light, sound, moving image works; two new roofs; and the removal of structural columns for better sightlines. We have surpassed the original $65 million goal for In a New Light: The Campaign for The Baltimore Museum of Art by raising $67.8 million with extraordinary levels of support this year, including $1.9 million for the BMA’s Annual Fund and nearly $1 million in federal grants and matching gifts for the Museum’s renovation. Approximately $5 million is needed to complete the renovation, so our fundraising continues.
We are proud to continue our commitment to this community by sustaining free admission for the sixth consecutive year. The BMA presents and provides free imaginative programs for families and tours for more than 20,000 schoolchildren, and improves the quality of art experiences for hundreds of thousands of visitors.
To the many donors whose sustained generosity plays a critical role in our day-to-day operations and our success, we are so very grateful for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating the museum’s 99th year with you in 2013.