The history of the National Institute of Art dates back to 1829. A wealthy art collector named John Varden began collecting pieces from European museums and displayed them in a room he added to his home near the U.S. Capitol. In 1841, the collection moved to the Patent Office Building, where the museum still resides today. During the early years of the museum, John Varden served as its curator. The museum’s collection shared exhibit space with the Declaration of Independence and Benjamin Franklin’s printing press.
Founded by Marcia Tucker
The New Museum of Contemporary Art, a New York City art museum, was founded by Marcia Tucker in 1977. It is located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan at 235 Bowery. Tucker’s background in business and art has played a major role in the creation of the New Museum. Marcia Tucker also helped shape the world of art education. Marcia Tucker was the first woman to be appointed director of the Museum of Modern Art.
Founded by Andrew Mellon
Founded by Andrew Mellon, the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research was named in his honor. Andrew Mellon also donated lands for the University of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Chapel and Cathedral of Learning. He also donated $43 million to the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his contributions to the university’s educational system, Andrew Mellon’s other charitable efforts included the United Way of Greater Pittsburgh and the World Cancer Research Fund.
Built by Ptolemy I Soter
Alexander the Great, the father of modern Egypt, built the Alexandria Museum, also known as the Seat of the Muses. It was modeled after the famous Lyceum of Aristotle in Athens and included lecture halls, gardens, zoo, and shrines to the nine muses. The museum also had a library, which housed over half a million documents.
Founded by Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna
The museum was named for the ancient Babylonian princess Ennigaldi-Nanna, the high priestess of the moon god Nanna. She is also believed to have run a school for young priestesses. Founded around 530 BCE, the museum is a wonderful example of ancient Egyptian heritage and culture. Here, you can find artifacts from that era, as well as some more recent discoveries.
Named by Queen Elizabeth I
In her forty-five-year reign, Queen Elizabeth created nine peerage dignities, including one earldom, seven baronies, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. She also reduced the number of Privy Counsellors from 39 to 14, and she commissioned a portrait of herself in celebration of her victory over Spain. During her reign, Elizabeth was also a patron of the arts, and she supported works by William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. Her reign also marked the beginning of the English Renaissance and many writers paid homage to her. Edmund Spenser based one of his characters, Gloriana, on Elizabeth.
