Who Founded the Museum of Modern Art?

Art|Art Museum

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the world’s most influential art museums, and it was founded in New York City in 1929. The MoMA was established by three individuals who had a shared vision of creating an institution devoted to modern art. They were banker/businessman/philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., modern art patron and collector Lillie P. Bliss, and architect/designer/curator Alfred H. Barr Jr.

John D., the son of Standard Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, was a philanthropist who believed strongly in the power of art to shape and improve society. He devoted his resources to numerous causes throughout his life, including establishing the Museum of Modern Art as a place for people to experience modern art and its history.

Lillie P. Bliss was a wealthy New York socialite who had a passion for modern art and was an avid collector of works by European and American artists such as Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso, among others. She was an active supporter of MoMA from its inception in 1929 until her death in 1931.

The third founder of MoMA was Alfred H., an art historian with a passion for modernism who served as the museum’s first director from 1929 until 1943. He was instrumental in selecting works for the museum’s collection and organizing exhibitions that showcased major developments in 20th century art.

Conclusion:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) was founded in New York City in 1929 by John D., Lillie P. Bliss, and Alfred H.. All three individuals had a shared vision for creating an institution devoted to modern art that would influence society through its powerful collections, exhibitions, and educational outreach programs to this day.