Capital Campaign Overview

Our Challenge

Bucks County is growing. More than 600,000 people live here now. Some have deep roots in Pennsylvania, while others came here from across the country or around the world. Many are young families that have moved here to enjoy the quality of life. Some have never been to a museum, while others, passionate about art, are considering donations from their collections.

To meet the demands of this rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse community, the James A. Michener Art Museum must build upon the vision of our founders, preserving our artistic heritage and reaching out to multiple audiences with exemplary programs.

Four major challenges must be addressed today:

1. The museum has reached the limit of available gallery space. Many works in the collection must remain stored out of public view, and the current storage vault, built in 1993, is crammed with objects. There is no room for further significant acquisitions.
   
   
2. Space dedicated for special exhibitions is too small for many national touring exhibitions. The small square footage and low ceiling has forced the museum to turn down offers of numerous outstanding exhibitions and limited its ability to present large-scale work by today's artists.
   
   
3. Art preparation and handling areas are no longer up to the highest professional standards.
   
   
4. Education and public program spaces are inadequate to meet the increasing needs of the community. The small space available for programs has limited the number of classes, lectures and concerts that can be offered.

Our Plan

In order to continue to grow and thrive, the Michener must successfully complete the Michener Centennial Campaign to fund these crucial capital improvements. Donors to the capital campaign can feel secure in knowing that their gifts to the Michener are a sound investment in the collection, preservation and interpretation of art in Bucks County, as well as sustaining the quality of life in the entire region.

A $3 million challenge grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other early leadership gifts have provided a strong start for this $10 million capital campaign. With the help of individuals, foundations and the business community, it will be possible to rise to the challenge issued by James A. Michener who asked that people work "unstintingly" on the "big job at hand"— (to provide) a world-class art museum that exhibits the best artists of Bucks County, and brings the best art to Bucks County.

Join us in celebrating our heritage as we build for the future.

Image: RMJM Hillier rendering

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