Lourve Exibit: "It's My High"
by Joy Ugi
Issue date: 2/19/07 Section: Features
The High Museum of Art, on the other hand, has a much shorter and simpler history. It was founded in 1905 and was originally called the Atlanta Art Association. Mrs. Joseph M. High, the benefactor whose home once housed the museum, inspired the present day name of the museum. From the 1920's through the 1960's, the High experienced an immense amount of growth, both in its quantity of pieces and in community support. In 1983, the present day building opened on Peachtree Street by the generous donations of Robert W. woodruff of the Coca-Cola Company and the officials of the museum. The High currently has 11,000 works in its permanent collection.
So why then, considering the High's humble history, did the prestigious French museum choose to move art of its collection to Atlanta out of all the museums in the world? It is due in part to the long alliance between the two museums. High director Michael Shapiro and Louvre director Henri Loyette have shared a close friendship and plans for the exhibit were in the works for many years, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The project started with the addition of 177,000 square feet of space in 2005 designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and the collaboration of High's and Louvre's directors. Although the cost of the project figures $18 million, the Louvre's director considers exchange momentous. In an interview on the Charlie Rose Show, Loyette said, "That was very important. You know, the idea of a small building which could be devoted entirely to the Louvre for three years was at the basis of this project.'
Although tickets are $15, students get in for $12 and members get in free. The exhibit also includes an informative audio tour. The exhibit lasts from October 2006 through 2009; however, different sections will be leaving and arriving at different periods during this time. For more information, call 404-733-4444. To learn more about the Louvre Atlanta exhibit and what will be happening, visit www.louvreatlanta.org and click "events."
Never has the High Museum of Art experienced such an honor, and it is making an impact on the South. According to the Associated Press, membership for the High has risen 17 percent since the start of the exhibit and the museum has seen an average of 2000 families per day. Sadie Blankenship, Georgia native and student at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA made it a priority to view the exhibit. Blankenship said, "It was a chance for me to see masterpieces that I would never get to see again."
So why then, considering the High's humble history, did the prestigious French museum choose to move art of its collection to Atlanta out of all the museums in the world? It is due in part to the long alliance between the two museums. High director Michael Shapiro and Louvre director Henri Loyette have shared a close friendship and plans for the exhibit were in the works for many years, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The project started with the addition of 177,000 square feet of space in 2005 designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and the collaboration of High's and Louvre's directors. Although the cost of the project figures $18 million, the Louvre's director considers exchange momentous. In an interview on the Charlie Rose Show, Loyette said, "That was very important. You know, the idea of a small building which could be devoted entirely to the Louvre for three years was at the basis of this project.'
Although tickets are $15, students get in for $12 and members get in free. The exhibit also includes an informative audio tour. The exhibit lasts from October 2006 through 2009; however, different sections will be leaving and arriving at different periods during this time. For more information, call 404-733-4444. To learn more about the Louvre Atlanta exhibit and what will be happening, visit www.louvreatlanta.org and click "events."
Never has the High Museum of Art experienced such an honor, and it is making an impact on the South. According to the Associated Press, membership for the High has risen 17 percent since the start of the exhibit and the museum has seen an average of 2000 families per day. Sadie Blankenship, Georgia native and student at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA made it a priority to view the exhibit. Blankenship said, "It was a chance for me to see masterpieces that I would never get to see again."
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