Saul Dennison, a distinguished arts patron and longtime chairman of New York's New Museum, died on September 11 at the age of 96. The Dennison family announced his passing in an obituary published last week, though no cause of death was provided. Born on January 21, 1929, Dennison dedicated much of his life to supporting contemporary art and emerging artists through his extensive collecting and institutional leadership.
Dennison and his late wife Ellyn, who passed away in May, were renowned art collectors whose holdings spanned multiple decades and artistic movements. Their comprehensive collection included works ranging from new media and photography to classical sculpture, as well as significant conceptual pieces such as Felix Gonzalez-Torres's iconic installation featuring a string of 24 light bulbs. In 1993, the Morris Museum in Morristown, New Jersey, showcased their collection in a major exhibition that demonstrated the breadth and quality of their acquisitions.
New York Times art critic William Zimmer, writing about the Morris Museum exhibition at the time, praised the Dennisons' holdings as presenting "a clear picture of the recent history of art." The collection reflected their deep commitment to contemporary artistic expression and their keen eye for identifying important works by both established and emerging artists. Their collecting philosophy emphasized supporting living artists and acquiring pieces that captured the zeitgeist of their respective eras.
Dennison's most significant institutional contribution came through his leadership at the New Museum in New York, where he served as president of the board of trustees from 1999 to 2013 before becoming chairman in 2013. He held the title of chairman emeritus from that time until his death, maintaining his close involvement with the institution throughout his tenure. His leadership coincided with one of the most transformative periods in the museum's history.
In a 2017 oral history interview with New Museum director Lisa Phillips, Dennison recalled how he first became involved with the institution in 1990. He had expressed to his friend Richard Ekstract, the publishing magnate, his desire to give back to the art world in a meaningful way. Ekstract suggested the New Museum as an organization that would benefit from Dennison's support and expertise, leading to what would become a decades-long relationship.
During the early 1990s recession, Dennison played a crucial role in helping the New Museum navigate significant financial challenges. The museum was seeking to qualify for a challenge grant from philanthropist Vera List, namesake of The New School's Vera List Center for Art and Politics, but was struggling to raise the required matching funds. Dennison proposed an innovative solution: accepting artwork donations and applying their fair market value toward the fundraising goal.
List agreed to this creative approach, and Dennison immediately donated six paintings from his collection to help meet the challenge. Many other trustees followed his example, contributing works from their own collections. "It was very easy to reach the goal through the value of those paintings," Dennison recalled in the 2017 interview. He was particularly impressed by List's personal commitment to the project, describing how she "wrote a little check, you know, just out of her checkbook" for $500,000 on New Year's Eve as her contribution.
Dennison's tenure as president and chairman encompassed the New Museum's most ambitious project: the construction and opening of its permanent home at 235 Bowery in 2007. The seven-story, 58,700-square-foot building represented a $50 million investment in the institution's future and provided dedicated space for the museum's innovative programming. The distinctive architectural design by Tokyo-based firm SANAA became an instant landmark in the rapidly changing Lower East Side neighborhood.
In a heartfelt Instagram statement following his death, the New Museum praised Dennison's leadership qualities and artistic vision. "Saul led the institution with wisdom, openness, and integrity," the statement read. "He embraced all forms of artistic experimentation and encouraged creative risk-taking. Together with his wife Ellyn, he encountered hundreds of artists across the globe on many New Museum trips."
The museum's tribute continued, emphasizing the couple's impact as patrons: "They were wonderful patrons of the Museum and Saul helped spearhead the construction of our first flagship building on the Bowery. We are forever grateful for Saul's leadership, generosity, and friendship. We extend our condolences to his family who meant everything to him."
Dennison's influence on the art world extended through his family, particularly his daughter Lisa Dennison, who serves as Sotheby's executive vice president and chairman of the Americas. Lisa previously worked at the Guggenheim Museum in New York for 29 years, including a tenure as director from 2005 to 2007. Her career trajectory reflects the artistic values and institutional knowledge she gained from her father's example.
In her own moving Instagram tribute, Lisa Dennison captured the personal side of her father's legacy: "Dad, I taught you about art, but you taught me about everything else that I know. Rest in peace with Mom and know that your legacy and values live on in your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren." This statement underscores how Dennison's influence extended far beyond his public roles, shaping the next generation of arts leaders and collectors.
The New Museum is currently closed for construction on an expansion of its Bowery location and is scheduled to reopen this fall. This continued growth represents the ongoing realization of the vision that Dennison helped establish during his leadership years, ensuring that his commitment to supporting contemporary art and emerging artists will continue to benefit future generations of museum visitors and the broader art community.
