Museum Featuring Diego Rivera Auto Industry-Themed Murals Could Fall Victim To Detroit Bankruptcy

[Purveyor]

By Agence France-Presse
Sunday, October 20, 2013 8:49 EDT



There are few places where the former majesty of the US auto industry is more keenly captured than among the Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Those stunning, sun-drenched walls could be lost to public view if the museum’s collection is allowed to be even partially sold to pay off Detroit’s creditors during the city’s bankruptcy proceedings.

“This is really an existential threat,” warned Annmarie Erickson, the museum’s chief operating officer.

“Selling art could close the museum.”

Founded in 1885, the museum has amassed a world-class collection through the patronage of press barons and auto industry giants.

MORE...

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/20/museum-featuring-diego-rivera-auto-industry-themed-murals-could-fall-victim-to-detroit-bankruptcy/

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

1. This is theft disguised

as an emergency and it makes me ashamed and embarrassed for my hometown.

[frazzled]

2. It would also be a very stupid economic move in the long run

Selling off the art--which is anathema to the professional museum world (except if it is done to buy new works)--is like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

One of the few things that commands international attention for Detroit (I mean, positive attention, not negative) is its exceptional art museum. And it brings along with its treasures a range of economic activity: tourism, businesses that wish to locate there due to the cultural amenities, adjacent restaurants and galleries, etc.

Detroit must not sell of the art to pay old bills. It will have nothing of value left, and will just fall farther into the pits. It makes me so crazy I've made it my sig line.

[longship]

3. The entirety of the murals are astounding.

On opposite walls, the large room is defined by the murals.



Their beauty is something very special.


As a child I remember these as much as I remember Briggs Stadium. Both were an important part of my youth in Detroit.

[llmart]

4. I say we sell off Snyder's house.....

to raise money.