Milwaukee man gives $7.6 million to art museum

MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee business owner and his wife have given the Milwaukee Art Museum its biggest gift ever: $7.6 million.

According to the art museum, Milwaukee Leonard and Bebe LeVine donated the money after Leonard’s death in 2008.

It’s more than double the previous largest bequest, and is designated to improve the museum’s art collection and presentation.

Levine was the president of Rosenberg’s Department Store, a women’s apparel store.

The estate’s executor and longtime family friend Tricia Knight says the couple appreciated art and wanted to keep the Milwaukee Art Museum a world-class museum.

Museum director Daniel Keegan says the money will be used for future acquisitions and a gallery space will eventually be named in the LeVine’s honor.

The details of the estate were finalized earlier this year.