Exhibition celebrates the transformative gift of photographs spanning three centuries
December 30, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS—The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is proud to present “A Generous Outlook: Gifts from Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet,” on view now through April 13, 2025, in the Perlman Gallery (G368). This free exhibition showcases 25 remarkable photographs and photographic objects—from a 19th-century souvenir card to works by some of the most renowned photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
This exhibition celebrates the generosity of Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet, esteemed collectors with strong ties to Minnesota, who recently donated these works to Mia’s photography collection. Now based in California, Gallus and Sweet continue to demonstrate their dedication to supporting the arts and enriching the museum’s mission of collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art for the community.
“This extraordinary gift honors the museum’s existing holdings while building on its strengths in every way,” said Casey Riley, Mia’s Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography and New Media. “The breadth of this collection reflects both the donors’ exceptional eye and their deep understanding of photography’s ability to connect us across time, culture, and perspective.”
The exhibition highlights iconic works by celebrated photographers, including Eugène Atget, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Walker Evans, Elliott Erwitt, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Irving Penn, Alec Soth, Carleton Watkins, Weegee, and more. Taken together, these works underscore Mia’s prominence in the field of photographic history and its commitment to building an accessible public collection.
“Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet’s generosity is a testament to their passion for photography and their belief in Mia’s mission,” said Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President. “Their gift is a transformative addition to the museum’s collection, ensuring that our audiences can experience the power of photography for generations to come.”
As one of the leading institutions in the region, Mia remains committed to building its photography collection to reflect the diversity and vitality of the medium. A Generous Outlook invites visitors to explore the breadth of photographic technique and history, while celebrating the donors whose contributions enhance the museum’s offerings and its connection to the community. For more information, visit www.artsmia.org.
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About the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration.
General admission to Mia is always free. Some special exhibitions charge a nominal fee.
For more information, call + 1 612 870 3000 or visit new.artsmia.org.