Phillips Collection receives record $15m gift from Sherman Fairchild Foundation

The Sherman Fairchild Foundation has made a historic donation of $15 million to The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, marking the largest contribution in the museum's history. Since the late 1990s, the foundation has played a crucial role in various developments, including the expansion of the conservation studio in 2006. Jonathan P. Binstock, who became director in 2023, spearheaded a strategic planning initiative that prioritized infrastructure, staffing, conservation, and digital systems. Of the total donation, around $12 million will bolster the endowment, ensuring the funding of long-term maintenance and conservation roles. Additionally, the gift will support the Phillips@THEARC satellite space and the new annual Art-Play-Practice initiative, with the first installation inspired by Sam Gilliam's Broad Cape (1972). Binstock noted that this contribution guarantees the museum's ongoing growth and accessibility, aligning with the vision of founder Duncan Phillips.