Courtauld Gallery Receives $40 Million Donation from Reuben Foundation

The Courtauld Gallery in London has announced that it will receive a historic donation of £30 million (approximately $40 million) from the Reuben Foundation. This contribution marks the largest donation in the gallery’s ninety-three-year history and comes as the institution continues its ambitious plans for a new campus on the Strand, which is expected to be completed in 2029.

The Reuben Foundation, established by billionaire art collectors David and Simon Reuben, has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts, education, and health care. Previous beneficiaries of the foundation’s philanthropy include notable British institutions such as the Design Museum and the Imperial War Museum, both located in London.

As the Courtauld Gallery embarks on constructing its new facility, which is part of a broader fundraising effort that has already raised £115 million, this donation will significantly enhance its resources. The foundation will also enter into a long-term partnership with the Courtauld, facilitating exhibitions that draw from the extensive art collection of the Reuben brothers.

Mark Hallett, director of the Courtauld, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “The partnership with the Reuben Foundation marks a defining moment in the Courtauld’s history, ushering in a bold new chapter and launching us into our next century with even greater ambition and purpose,” he stated. Hallett expressed enthusiasm about collaborating closely with the foundation to create unique experiences for the gallery’s visitors.

Lisa Reuben, trustee of the Reuben Foundation, highlighted the significance of the Courtauld Gallery in the context of art education. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to build on the Courtauld’s remarkable history and to support the realization of its ambitious development,” she remarked. “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.’”

With this substantial donation, the Courtauld Gallery is poised to enhance its role as a leading institution in the global art community. The partnership with the Reuben Foundation not only underscores the gallery’s commitment to art education but also reflects a shared vision for promoting cultural excellence. As the gallery prepares for its next chapter, it aims to build a legacy that resonates with both current and future generations of art enthusiasts.