A world-renowned museum is auctioning 12 works of art to raise money for the care of its collections, in the wake of COVID-19.
Like many visitor experiences across the US, the Brooklyn Museum has felt the impact of COVID-19 due to a forced closure in March and now social distancing measures in place. According to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) as many as 30 per cent American museums may face permanent closure by 2021 as a result.
Due to this the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) have relaxed its rules and has made it possible for American museums to sell collections to help through the financial crisis, up until April 2022.
The welcomed money will go towards secure storage facilities, preservation, framing and security, as well as contributing towards the museum’s staff salaries.
Experts estimate the 12 works of art could fetch $3.5 million collectively, with Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Lucretia expected to raise as much as $1.8 million alone.
Other exhibits on sale include the 15th century Tenant une Cruche with an estimated worth of $300,000, and the 18th century Saint Jerome, which is expected to reach $120,000 in the auction room.
If the auction proves a success the Brooklyn Museum plans to sell more of its 1.5 million artworks to help with its collection’s care in the next coming months.
The auction starts on October 15.
Elsewhere, the Museum of Flight has opened a new World War II exhibition ahead of 75 year anniversary.
