Bellevue Arts Museum Receives $500,000 Donation

BELLEVUE, WA — The Bellevue Arts Museum is celebrating a $500,000 charitable donation that will be used to modernize and update many of their older or outdated systems.

The museum says the money, donated by The Norcliffe Foundation, will be used in part to fix a maintenance backlog at their Steven Holl building that's been growing for nearly 20 years. It'll also help buy new signs and furnishings.

"This award will enable Bellevue Arts Museum to continue showcasing the exceptional talent of the artists that live and work in our community," said Benedict Heywood, Executive Director & Chief Curator for the Bellevue Arts Museum. "With this support, we will be able to secure the equipment required to produce thought-provoking and noteworthy exhibitions for years to come."

The Bellevue Art Museum started as an art fair back in 1947, which grew into a full art museum in 1975. The museum says thanks to this gracious donation, they'll be able to weather some uncertain times and hopefully carry on into the far far future.

"We are so grateful to our friends at The Norcliffe Foundation for this extraordinary show of support," said Heywood.

Right now museums in King County remain closed under Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan to battle the coronavirus. Instead, the museum has adapted by offering several learning and arts programs online.