National Gallery of Art to undergo $68M renovation

[March 14, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Gallery of Art plans to close its modern art galleries for three years to complete a $68 million renovation, adding new galleries and a rooftop sculpture garden.

Federal funds will pay for renovations to the East Building's infrastructure, totaling $38.4 million. Private donors are contributing $30 million to create 12,260 feet of new exhibition space and a sculpture garden overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue.

The museum said Wednesday that National Gallery President Victoria Sant and her husband, Roger, are contributing $10 million, along with board member Mitchell Rales and his wife, Emily, and David Rubenstein of the Carlyle Group.

Galleries will close between July and December, with construction set to begin in January.

New galleries in two towers may highlight Mark Rothko and other works from the museum's collection.

[Associated Press; By BRETT ZONGKER]

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