OUR NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
January 20th, 2010 | 4:35 pm
The imposing majesty of the National Gallery of Art and its remarkable collection deceive many visitors into believing it is centuries older than it is. In fact, this March, it will celebrate only its 70th year!
No sooner than the National Gallery opened than the nation was consumed with World War II; Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7th. The United States would soon be fighting on European soil for the second time within 24 years. Included among the fighting forces would be a small group of men and women dedicated to saving the great cultural treasures of Europe formally know as the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives section, or MFAA. But they were better known as “Monuments Men”.
Because much of the Monuments Men operation was run out of the National Gallery by its director, David Finley, and others, my speaking engagement this past Sunday was a homecoming of sorts. It was a distinct honor to stand before a full house of about 400 people to present these great heroes and their stories to a very well-informed and enthusiastic audience, especially after such a heartwarming introduction by Nancy Yeide, head of curatorial records and files, and a dear friend.
Having had the good fortune of visiting most of the world’s great museums, I can say with conviction that the National Gallery of Art is truly one of the greats. Every American should be very proud of our nation’s museum and thankful to Andrew Mellon, the man whose vision and generosity made this great institution a reality.
