George Eastman Museum Adds 900+ Photographic Works in 2025, Including Rare Ivorytypes and Diane Arbus Donations
In 2025, the George Eastman Museum enhanced its collection with more than 900 new photographic items, including two rare ivorytypes from the 1860s, donated by Donald K. Weber in tribute to James L. Enyeart. The museum acquired eighteen photographs by Diane Arbus from Fraenkel Gallery and added a significant piece by Tseng Kwong Chi. Additionally, works by former staff members Beaumont Newhall and Nathan Lyons were included, with Newhall's 1928 print financed by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. Wayne F. Miller's 1954 photograph was a gift from his family. Upcoming exhibitions will showcase pieces by Brett Weston, Milton Rogovin, and Carl Chiarenza. Established in 1947, the museum is the oldest photography museum globally, with over 450,000 photographs and 31,000 films.
Key facts
- The George Eastman Museum acquired over 900 photographic works in 2025.
- Two rare ivorytypes from ca. 1865 were donated by Donald K. Weber in honor of James L. Enyeart.
- Fraenkel Gallery donated eighteen photographs by Diane Arbus.
- A major work by Tseng Kwong Chi was purchased.
- Works by former employees Beaumont Newhall and Nathan Lyons were added.
- Four Wayne F. Miller photographs will appear in the 2026 exhibition 'Edward Steichen and the Garden'.
- The museum was founded in 1947 and is located in Rochester, New York.
- Jamie M. Allen is the Stephen B. and Janice G. Ashley Curator and Head of the Department of Photography.
Entities
Artists
- Ann Jane Mitchell McAllister
- William Young McAllister
- Beaumont Newhall
- Wayne F. Miller
- Edward Steichen
- Phillip Leonian
- Nicola Toscano
- Rosa Maria Toscano
- Diane Arbus
- Tseng Kwong Chi
- Nathan Lyons
- Brett Weston
- Milton Rogovin
- Carl Chiarenza
- Nancy Newhall
- Jeanette Miller
- George Eastman
Institutions
- George Eastman Museum
- Fraenkel Gallery
- Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation
- Chase National Bank
- Wayne F. Miller Family
- Leonian Charitable Trust
- Estate of Beaumont and Nancy Newhall
- Scheinbaum and Russek Ltd.
- Estate of Nathan Lyons
Locations
- Rochester
- New York
- United States
- San Francisco
- Santa Fe
- New Mexico
- Umpawaug Farm