The Indiana University Art Museum has announced a landmark gift of $15 million from Indianapolis-based philanthropists Sidney and Lois Eskenazi. This is the largest cash gift in the museum's history and a lead gift toward renovation of its I.M. Pei-designed building, which opened in 1982.
The museum has been renamed the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art in recognition of the couple's generosity.
IU will contribute another $20 million toward building and gallery enhancements through its "For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign."
The Eskenazis are also donating their collection of nearly 100 works of art, including important prints and drawings Joan Miró from late in his career.
The morning ceremony featured comments by Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, Executive Vice President and Provost Lauren Robel, Philanthropists Sidney and Lois Eskenazi and David A. Brenneman, the museum’s Wilma E. Kelley Director.