The Courtauld Gallery has received a groundbreaking $30 million donation from the Reuben Foundation, marking the largest gift in the prestigious London institution's history. The donation comes from the charitable arm of billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, providing crucial funding for the gallery's ambitious expansion plans.
This historic contribution will significantly boost the Courtauld's efforts to create a new campus on the Strand, located near its current home at Somerset House. The gallery has been actively pursuing this expansion project following its major redevelopment and successful reopening in 2021. The new facility represents a key component of the institution's long-term vision to enhance its educational and cultural offerings.
The generous donation brings the total funding raised for the gallery's interconnected development projects to an impressive $115 million over the past decade. This substantial financial backing demonstrates strong confidence in the Courtauld's mission and future prospects. The funding success reflects the institution's reputation as a world-renowned center for art history, conservation, and curatorial studies.
Beyond the monetary contribution, the partnership will include collaborative opportunities between the Reuben Foundation and the Courtauld Gallery. The collaboration will feature exhibitions and special displays that may include loans from the extensive private art collection owned by the Reuben family. This arrangement promises to enrich the gallery's programming and provide visitors with access to rare and significant artworks.
The new Strand campus is scheduled to open its doors in 2029, strategically timed to enhance the Courtauld's centenary celebrations planned for 2032. This timeline allows for comprehensive planning and construction while building anticipation for the institution's 100th anniversary milestone.
Lisa Reuben, serving as a Trustee of the Reuben Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential impact. "We are thrilled by the opportunity to build on the Courtauld's remarkable history and to support the realization of its ambitious development," she stated. "Recognized internationally as the pre-eminent center for the study of art history, art conservation and curatorial studies, the Courtauld exemplifies the philanthropist Samuel Courtauld's vision of art for all."
She further emphasized the alignment between the two organizations' values, noting that the Courtauld's "enduring commitment to excellence – reflected in the generations of leaders in the art world it has produced – aligns seamlessly with the Reuben Foundation's values and ethos and furthers our commitment to education and culture." This partnership represents a significant investment in preserving and advancing art education for future generations.
