Museum for all: Heckscher Museum to offer free admission courtesy of Bank of America

When local philanthropists August and Anna Heckscher donated the Heckscher Museum building in Huntington – and its original collection of 185 works of art – in 1920, August Heckscher said that Huntington was to be “one of the few places in the United States outside of the large cities [that] possess galleries of such extent and importance.” He intended the gift to be “especially for the children.”

Continuing the legacy of its founders, The Heckscher Museum of Art has been providing the community with free access to its exhibitions, with suggested donations, since reopening its doors after the peak of the pandemic. Now, a $25,000 grant from Bank of America will allow the museum to offer free admission into 2025, and welcome more visitors, families and children to enjoy art and community.

“We are grateful to Bank of America for its generosity and partnership,” said Heather Arnet, executive director and CEO. “Founders Anna and August Heckscher envisioned a thriving ‘museum for all.’ This grant will allow the museum to continue that important mission and ensure that cost will not be a barrier for any individual or family to view the museum’s fine art collection and exhibitions.”

The Heckscher Museum was founded in 1920 as a space for the people of Huntington to enjoy free access to world-class art. Throughout the last century, The Heckscher Museum has worked to maintain that legacy through key partnerships and fundraising efforts. These efforts have helped sustain the museum’s quality arts education and outreach programs, caretaking of the permanent collection, and the organization and presentation of renowned art exhibitions. 

“Making Long Island’s flourishing arts community and cultural institutions accessible to locals and visitors alike has the power to create long-lasting, positive change in our communities,” said Marc Perez, president, Bank of America Long Island. “In partnership with The Heckscher Museum of Art, we look forward to ensuring that access to the museum’s dynamic exhibitions and permanent collection is free to the public.”

The Heckscher Museum’s collection currently comprises more than 2,300 works from the 16th to the 21st century, including European and American painting, sculpture, works on paper, and photography. Located in scenic Heckscher Park in Huntington, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.heckscher.org.