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Why I Give

Learn more about some of our incredible donors and their inspiring stories.

Meet the Museum’s Passionate Patrons

Donors Alma Alabilikian and Peter Paone

Alma Alabilikian and Peter Paone

Alma Alabilikian and Peter Paone are longtime supporters of the museum and active Associates members. Peter, who has numerous works in the museum’s collection, also serves on the Library and Archives Committee. They were welcomed into the Fiske Kimball Society when they created a charitable gift annuity in 2016 and have since included a bequest for the museum in their estate plans, including an endowed fund in support of painting conservation.

“We are pleased to contribute to the important work being done by Mark Tucker and the Conservation department. It’s wonderful that our bequest will support an area at the museum that is so important to us.”

Donors Julie and Larry Berger

Julie and Larry Berger

Julie and Larry Berger began their relationship with dates at the museum, and as their connection grew so did their mutual passion for the museum. Julie went on to serve as an esteemed guide and Larry as general counsel. Since retiring from these positions, the Bergers have provided generous philanthropic support toward annual operations, acquisitions, and capital projects. They are now active members of museum committees, the Fiske Kimball Society, and the Anne d’Harnoncourt Society. In 2015, Julie and Larry made a pledge to support the museum’s capital projects. Their visionary gifts exemplify their commitment to both the day-to-day activities of the museum and the historic building in which it all takes place.

“Philadelphia is blessed with many fine cultural institutions,” Larry says, “and the museum is at the pinnacle. We believe in supporting it to ensure that future generations may discover the same joy and inspiration we’ve experienced... Our commitment to the museum is a reflection of how the museum has enriched our lives.”

Donor Douglas “D. W.” Mellor in the PDP Study Room

Douglas “D. W.” Mellor

Douglas “D. W.” Mellor first found his affinity for photography in 1968 when he visited the museum as a college student. The Philadelphia native, now a photographer in his own right, has been a loyal museum member since 1994, and his love for photography inspired him to contribute funds to support the Prints, Drawings, and Photographs department. Collecting works from the medium that inspired him throughout his career, he has also gifted more than 100 works on paper by artists like Harry Callahan, William Christenberry, Emmet Gowin, and himself—including a portfolio of photographs and a letter by his muse, Tom Garvey. He has been a member of the Fiske Kimball Society and the Anne d’Harnoncourt Society since 2014.

“If it weren’t for the museum,” Mellor says, “I wouldn’t have discovered my passion for photography. This institution changed my life... I give to the museum in hopes of inspiring others to look closely and find their own passion.”

Donor Sonia Triester standing in front of Three Musicians by Pablo Ruiz y Picasso

Sonia Triester

Sonia Triester and her late husband, Stan, enjoyed the museum for decades. As Associates members for fifty years, they were deeply committed, especially to K–12 educational programs. When Stan passed away, Sonia and her family decided to honor their connection to the museum with an education-focused special gift to the It Starts Here campaign. Sonia has also joined the Fiske Kimball Society by making a provision in her estate plans. Together, this support makes a measurable difference for the museum and the thousands of children who visit each year.

Fifty Days at Iliam, 1978, by Cy Twombly

Fifty Days at Iliam, 1978, by Cy Twombly (American, 1928–2011), 1989-90-1--10

Scenes from the Life of the Jina Parshvanatha, c. 1450–75, Indian

Scenes from the Life of the Jina Parshvanatha, c. 1450–1475, Artist/maker unknown( Indian), 2003-143-1

Recognition Opportunities

Commitments to the museum deserve to be celebrated. The museum’s Development staff is always available to learn more about your philanthropic priorities and find giving and recognition opportunities that are meaningful to you.

Contact Us

Naming opportunities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To learn about different ways your generosity can be recognized, please contact the Development department by email at giving@philamuseum.org or by phone at 215-684-7840.

Listing in Donor Rosters

Members of the Associates and Chairman’s Council are recognized annually in the museum’s annual report. Supporters who make cumulative gifts toward It Starts Here: Campaign for the Philadelphia Museum of Art of $100,000 or more are recognized in in-person signage in the museum’s Williams Forum.

Named Endowed Funds

Gifts to the endowment are among the most lasting contributions to the museum, as they create a meaningful income stream that benefits the museum in perpetuity. Regardless of the designation, these funds provide steady, reliable resources that benefit the institution while offering a timeless testament to the passion and foresight of the donor. Contributions to the endowment of $100,000 or more can be recognized with a named fund.

Named Gallery Spaces

Consider celebrating the legacy of your family or a loved one by naming a museum space. Museum galleries and public spaces are available for naming in recognition of leadership gifts, beginning at the $250,000 level.

Named Museum Positions

When you endow a museum position, you make a gift that will support an important role on our staff far into the future. This generosity is recognized with the opportunity to name the position. In December 2013, the museum celebrated the successful conclusion of The Lenfest Challenge. Launched in 2008 by Museum Chairman Emeritus Gerry Lenfest and his wife, Marguerite, The Lenfest Challenge led to the endowment of twenty-nine positions, through the response of twenty-seven donors to the generous 1:1 match set forth by the Lenfests. In addition to adding more than $55 million to the operating endowment, the museum now boasts a roster of some fifty endowed senior and mid-level staff positions that is among the most talented and sizeable of any museum in the country. Following this outstanding success, additional positions in a variety of departments are still available for naming.

Visitors walking through a museum gallery

A Special “Thank You”

On behalf of the patrons and staff, the museum would like to sincerely thank the following people and organizations for their thoughtful support of the museum's future.

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