Who Owns the Seattle Art Museum?

Art|Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the United States. Established in 1933, it houses an incredible collection of artwork from around the world, including pieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Michelangelo. But who owns this amazing museum?

City of Seattle: The City of Seattle owns all SAM buildings, land, and facilities. This includes the main Seattle Art Museum building downtown, as well as its two additional locations: SAM Olympic Sculpture Park and SAM Pavilion. The City also owns all artworks in the museum’s collections that were acquired through purchase or donation since 1933, when the museum was established.

SAM Endowment Fund: The SAM Endowment Fund was established in 1989 to provide financial support for the operations of the museum. It is managed by a board of trustees composed of members from local organizations such as Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, and Nordstrom. All donations to the endowment fund are used exclusively for the purpose of sustaining SAM’s operations and activities.

Private Donors: Private donors are an important source of funding for SAM’s operations and activities. Many generous individuals have donated money or artwork over the years that has enabled SAM to acquire new pieces for its collection or expand its programming offerings.

Conclusion: In summary, while it may appear complicated at first glance, it is clear that ownership of the Seattle Art Museum is shared by multiple entities including the City of Seattle, SAM Endowment Fund Board of Trustees and private donors. Ultimately these entities are responsible for preserving this beloved cultural institution and ensuring that visitors can enjoy its many wonders for generations to come.