Agnes Gund, Former MoMA Board Chair and Prominent Philanthropist, Passes Away at 87 in New York

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September 19, 2025

Arts Patron Agnes Gund Dies at 87, Leaving a Monumental Legacy

New York, NY – Agnes Gund, a towering figure in the American art landscape and a relentless champion of both artistic expression and social justice, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Her daughter, Catherine Gund, confirmed her death, though the specific cause has not been publicly disclosed. gund’s passing marks the end of an era for art patronage,prompting reflection on the future of philanthropic support within the industry.

A lifetime Dedicated to the Arts and Beyond

Gund’s influence extended far beyond her significant financial contributions. She served as president emerita of the Museum of Modern Art in New york city, holding the presidential role for over eleven years. During her tenure,she spearheaded efforts to expand the museum’s collection and reach,playing a crucial role in securing funding for its most recent expansion. Her dedication wasn’t limited to MoMA; she actively participated on numerous boards and consistently supported emerging and established artists alike.

Beyond her museum work, Gund was a regular presence at major cultural galas, including events for El Museo del Barrio, YoungArts, The Kitchen, and MoMA PS1. This consistent involvement underscored her deep commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem.

An Encyclopedic collection and Generous Giving

Agnes Gund amassed an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by luminaries such as Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Jasper Johns, Brice Marden, Agnes Martin, Yayoi Kusama, and Louise Bourgeois. She was renowned for her personal relationships with the artists she supported and regularly gifted works to public institutions. Over 900 pieces from her collection have already been donated or pledged to museums across the country.

In 2017, Gund made headlines by selling Roy Lichtenstein’s Masterpiece for $165 million to launch Art for Justice, a groundbreaking initiative focused on addressing racial disparities within the criminal justice system. The fund distributed over $127 million in grants before concluding in 2023. She continued her philanthropic efforts, selling another lichtenstein in 2023, directing over $2 million to organizations supporting reproductive rights.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born on august 13, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, Agnes Gund inherited a substantial fortune from her father, George Gund II, a prominent figure in real estate, brewing, and finance. Her passion for art was ignited during childhood visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art and further nurtured during her education at Miss Porter’s School and Connecticut College, where she earned a degree in history in 1960.

Gund’s personal life included marriages to Albrecht “Brec” Saalfield and Daniel Shapiro, and she is survived by her four children – Catherine, David, Anna, and Jessica – as well as her brothers Gordon and Geoffrey Gund, sister Louise Gund, and twelve grandchildren.

Key Fact	Detail
Date of Birth	August 13, 1938
Date of Death	September 19, 2025
Former Role	President Emerita, Museum of Modern Art
Notable Philanthropic Initiative	Art for Justice Fund

The Evolving Landscape of Art Philanthropy

Agnes Gund’s passing arrives at a crucial juncture for the art world. As traditional sources of funding face increasing pressures, the search for new patrons and innovative models of support is intensifying. According to a recent report by The National Endowment for the Arts, philanthropic giving to arts and culture organizations experienced a 6.8% decline in 2023, highlighting the need for diversified funding strategies.

Did You Know? The Art for Justice fund, established by Gund, demonstrated the power of leveraging art sales for social change, inspiring a wave of similar initiatives focused on addressing systemic issues.

Pro Tip: Nonprofit organizations should prioritize building relationships with a diverse range of donors, including individual collectors, corporations, and foundations, to ensure long-term financial stability.

Frequently asked Questions About Agnes Gund

• What was Agnes Gund best known for? She was best known as a dedicated arts patron, philanthropist, and former president of the Museum of Modern Art.
• What was the Art for Justice Fund? The Art for Justice Fund was an initiative launched by Agnes Gund to address racial inequities in the criminal justice system.
• What kind of art did Agnes Gund collect? She collected a wide range of modern and contemporary art,including works by Rothko,Lichtenstein,and Kusama.
• How did Agnes Gund support arts education? she founded “Studio in a School,” a program that placed professional artists in New York City public schools.
• What impact did Agnes Gund have on MoMA? She played a transformative role in expanding MoMA’s collection and reach, and secured crucial funding for expansions.
• What is the future of art philanthropy? The future of art philanthropy will likely involve a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and impact investing.

What lasting impact will Agnes Gund’s legacy have on the art world? How will future generations of patrons balance artistic support with social responsibility?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation.

How did Agnes Gund’s role as MoMA chair contribute to broader public access to art?

Agnes Gund, a towering figure in the art world and a dedicated philanthropist, has died in New York City at the age of 87. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Museum of Modern Art (moma), where she served as chair for over a decade, and for the broader landscape of arts funding and social justice initiatives. This article details her life, contributions, and lasting legacy.

A Life Dedicated to Art and Activism

Born Agnes Newman in 1938, Gund’s commitment to the arts was deeply rooted in her upbringing.She married Daniel Gund, heir to the Gund Brewing Company fortune, and together they amassed a significant collection of modern and contemporary art. Though, Agnes Gund’s influence extended far beyond collecting.

* Early Involvement with MoMA: Gund first joined the MoMA board in 1974, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to the institution.

* Chairmanship & institutional Growth: she served as chair from 1996 to 2005, a period of significant growth and modernization for MoMA.During her tenure, the museum underwent a major expansion, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, enhancing its capacity and visitor experiance.

* Philanthropic Vision: gund wasn’t simply a benefactor; she was a strategic philanthropist, directing funds towards innovative programs and supporting emerging artists.

Gund’s Impact on MoMA and Beyond

Agnes Gund’s leadership at moma was characterized by a forward-thinking approach. She championed diversity within the museum’s collection and programming, recognizing the importance of representing a wider range of voices and perspectives.

Expanding the Museum’s Collection

Under Gund’s guidance,MoMA considerably expanded its holdings of works by women artists,artists of color,and international artists. This commitment to inclusivity helped reshape the museum’s narrative and broaden its appeal. Key acquisitions during her tenure included significant pieces by:

* Louise Bourgeois: Strengthening MoMA’s representation of feminist art.

* Kara Walker: Adding a powerful contemporary voice exploring themes of race and identity.

* El Anatsui: Introducing a globally recognized artist working with innovative materials.

Championing Arts Education

Gund firmly believed in the transformative power of art education. She actively supported MoMA’s educational programs, ensuring access to art for students and communities across New York City. These initiatives included:

1. Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local schools and organizations to provide art workshops and tours.
2. Free admission Programs: Expanding access to the museum for underserved populations.
3. Teacher Training: Equipping educators with the resources to integrate art into their curricula.

Art for justice: A Landmark Initiative

Perhaps Gund’s most impactful contribution came after her time as MoMA chair. In 2017, she sold a painting by Willem de Kooning – “Woman as Landscape” – for $160 million. The proceeds were used to establish Art for Justice, a fund dedicated to supporting criminal justice reform.

* Addressing Systemic Issues: Art for Justice focused on addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system, including mass incarceration, racial bias, and excessive bail.

* Grantmaking & Advocacy: The fund provided grants to organizations working on bail reform, sentencing reform, and re-entry programs. It also supported advocacy efforts aimed at promoting fairer and more equitable policies.

* Impact & Legacy: Art for justice has become a leading voice in the movement for criminal justice reform, demonstrating the power of philanthropy to drive social change. The initiative continues to operate and expand its reach.

Gund’s Personal Collection & Artistic Taste

Agnes Gund’s personal art collection, built alongside her husband Daniel, was renowned for its breadth and depth. It spanned a wide range of movements and artists, reflecting her eclectic taste and intellectual curiosity.

* Key artists represented: The collection included works by Pablo Picasso, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol, among others.

* **Focus on Post-War American art