Art Institute of Chicago Receives $75 Million Donation

The Art Institute of Chicago has received a historic $75 million donation from Aaron I. Fleischman and Dr. Lin Lougheed, marking the largest naming gift in the museum’s 145-year history. This funding will support the construction of a new building dedicated to modern and contemporary art, enhancing access to the collection and visitor experience. The new facility, to be named the Aaron I. Fleischman and Lin Lougheed Building, will feature galleries for late 19th-century and modern art and aims to better showcase the museum's extensive collection. The museum's president, James Rondeau, emphasized the importance of re-envisioning the campus to open it up to nearby Grant Park and the lakefront. Both donors have strong ties to the Midwest, with Fleischman serving as a trustee for nearly 15 years and notable contributions to other art institutions. The new building is part of a larger effort to transform the museum and its campus layout, which has been in planning since 2019.