It's been 50 years since Fort Worth's renowned Kimbell Art Museum opened, though the Kimbell Art Foundation preceded far before that — in 1936.
Since its inception half a century ago, the Kimbell has evolved into the most significant places in our city, serving as home to some of the most prominent art works to enter Fort Worth — and was named as one of the top art museums in Texas by Yelp.
In its early years, the Kimbell Art Foundation collected British and French portraits of the 18th and 19th centuries, accumulating more than 260 paintings and 86 other works of art ahead of Mr. Kimbell's death in 1964, the museum's website states. Among them: Hals’s Rommel-Pot Player, Gainsborough’s Portrait of a Woman, Vigée Le Brun’s Self-Portrait, and Leighton’s Portrait of May Sartoris.
Motivated by his wish “to encourage art in Fort Worth and Texas,” Mr. Kimbell left his estate to the foundation, and from there, Kimbell Art Museum was born.
In recognition of the momentous anniversary, the museum is celebrating with a special exhibition through the remainder of the week.
Throughout the duration of the 'Kimbell at 50,' the museum will showcase "50 exhibits for 50 years," including several film shows, a special Happy Hour on Friday, and a family festival on Saturday.
To view the entire 50th celebration schedule, visit the Kimbell Art Museum website.
