With the Albright-Knox Art Gallery getting close to its $155 million goal for a major expansion of the Delaware Park cultural center, there is good news from City Hall. Mayor Byron Brown says the city will kick in $2.5 million for the project.
"In consultation and work with my administration and the members of the Buffalo Common Council, I am pleased to commit $2.5 million to this ambitious fund-raising initiative to help with the expansion of the museum," Brown announced to applause Monday.
"It's important to remember now that we have all levels of government involved in the project," said Albright-Knox Director Janne Siren. "So the city, the county, as well as the state level - and our conversations with the federal level are continuing."
Siren said this cash will go toward infrastructure improvements to connect the gallery and Delaware Park.
"With the help of Mayor Brown, his administration and his team and the City of Buffalo Common Council, the Albright-Knox will be able to create a community gathering place, brimming with opportunities for inspiration for all citizens of Buffalo and the many visitors to our region."
Siren said the city's money will be matched by investment billionaire and philanthropist Jeffrey Gundlach, dollar for dollar. Gundlach's giving around a third of the total cost of the expansion.
Siren won't say how much has been raised in total. In the past, he has said more public money for the expansion will unlock other sources of private money for the project and to get it started in the fall of next year.
