The Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA) has received the largest single gift in the Museum’s 65-year history and the largest gift to a cultural institution ever in Long Beach. It was announced Wednesday that philanthropists Dr. Ronald and Sylvia Hartman have given the LBMA a gift of $2 million.

In honor of this generous gift, the Museum’s gallery pavilion will be named The Hartman Pavilion.

According to a statement from the LBMA, the Hartmans have been long-time supporters of the Museum. Sylvia is currently a Foundation Board Trustee and member of Phoenix, the Museum’s volunteer fundraising group. She joined the LBMA Foundation Board in 1990 and continues to serve today.

Ronald was the President of the Museum Association for ten years beginning in 1969 and continued to serve on the Museum’s Board for ten years after the fact. He worked closely with then Executive Director Jason Wong and was responsible for the acquisition of many valuable works for the Museum’s permanent collection.

“We have been part of the greater Long Beach community for many years and have witnessed the growth of the city’s arts and culture communities with leaders such as the Long Beach Museum of Art,” said Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Sylvia Hartman in a statement. “In the eight years that Executive Director Ron Nelson has guided this institution, the Museum has showcased an amazing array of exhibitions and has grown its educational programming to serve everyone who is interested in learning more about contemporary art. We are pleased that our gift will ensure long term financial support for the Museum in the coming years.”

“We are honored and humbled by the generous gift from the Hartman family,” said Executive Director Ron Nelson in a statement. “Their commitment to the Museum for the past 40 years has been unparalleled and this gift demonstrates their belief in the future, of not only this Museum, but also the importance of a thriving cultural community in the city of Long Beach. We are thrilled to name our exhibition gallery pavilion in their honor.”

A private reception and naming ceremony for the pavilion will be held on Sunday, March 22.

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