The Foundation’s goal is to further Robert Lehman’s charitable vision, supporting the visual arts in ways to enhance the appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of this vital aspect of our culture
What We Support
View Grant GuidelinesHistory of the Foundation
At Robert Lehman’s death in 1969, his exemplary collection of western European art was left to the Robert Lehman Foundation with the express wish to transfer it to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The gift was made with the understanding that the collection would be shown in dedicated galleries designed to evoke the ambiance and wide-ranging richness of the collection. Robert Lehman had a longstanding affiliation with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a trustee and ultimately Chairman of the Board. On January 30, 1970, his collection of more than 2,600 works of art – paintings, drawings, manuscripts, majolica, frames, textiles, and European decorative arts, dating from the early Renaissance to the twentieth century was moved to The Metropolitan Museum of Art where it is housed today. The Robert Lehman Wing galleries celebrate an extraordinary legacy in cross-collection displays honoring Mr. Lehman’s wishes and reflecting the taste and connoisseurship of a great American family.
Many Images on the site are courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art