A belated happy 50th birthday to the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth.
On Jan. 24, 1961 — described recently by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as ” a frostbitten January day” — the museum opened its doors, though only 400 people came for the inauguration. Amon G. Carter Sr., a self-made millionaire who was publisher of the Star-Telegram, had gifted the city with money for the museum, which was to be free, open to all comers, and a champion of American art. (Here’s the link to that article.)
“As a youth, I was denied the advantages which go with the possession of money,” he stated in the will, according to the museum’s website. “I am endeavoring to give to those who have not had such advantages, but who aspire to the higher and finer attributes of life, those opportunities which were denied to me.” He died in 1955.
Carter had grown interested in Western art, primarily Frederick Remington and Charles M. Russell, through his friendship with Will Rogers. The museum tells more of its history here. Pictured here is a gallery during the inaugural 1961 exhibition.
It’s worth noting in this day and age that Fort Worth was lucky to have such a civic-minded collector. At one recent gathering of art world denizens, the discussion turned to the lack of this sense in certain cities today, where collectors have not aligned their interests with the city’s. Instead of helping to cultivate an environment that is favorable to the arts, these collectors have been thinking mostly about themselves.
But Amon Carter, and his heirs, created an American art treasure, not only because its collection and its ambitions have grown (have a look at highlights of its paintings collection), but also because it remains free and accessible. It’s an anchor of the Fort Worth cultural district, which also includes the Kimbell Art Museum (also free and the gift of another wealthy Texan).
The Amon Carter is celebrating all year with special exhibitions, starting with The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision, which will include Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, on loan from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. That’s followed by The Allure of Paper: Drawings and Watercolors from the Collection and John Marin: Modernism at Midcentury.
Apparently unwilling to chance the weather again, the Amon Carter plans to celebrate its birthday in August — on the 13th.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum