Foundation commits $10M to Art Institute of Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) - The Art Institute of Chicago says a foundation has made a $10 million commitment to help the museum care for, store and study its collection.

Director Douglas Druick says The Grainger Foundation commitment is the largest gift to the Art Institute's Department of Conservation in the museum's history.

The department is responsible for authenticating, preserving and storing museum holdings. Its specialists also conduct research and contribute findings for special exhibitions, publications and educational events.

The museum is establishing the Grainger Fund for Conservation, which Druick says will allow the Art Institute to attract and retain talent and train people in the field of conservation and conservation science.

The Grainger Foundation is located in Lake Forest and was established in 1949 by William Wallace Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger, Inc.