[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO ANNE d'HARNONCOURT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a great 
Philadelphian and a giant of America's cultural community, Anne 
d'Harnoncourt. Ms. d'Harnoncourt came to the Philadelphia Museum of Art 
in 1967 and became curator of 20th century art in 1972. She became the 
museum's director in 1982, beginning a renaissance at the venerable 
institution.
  Ms. d'Harnoncourt has been justifiably credited with being 
responsible for launching Philadelphia's modern concept of cultural 
tourism with a blockbuster 1996 Cezanne retrospective that drew a 
record 800,000 viewers. She provided the drive and the vision needed to 
launch a $590 million expansion and renovation of the museum and 
completed the opening of the architecturally and historically 
significant Perelman annex.
  Most recently Miss d'Harnoncourt had landed the Art Museum an 
enviable spot at the Venice Biennale, curating the American Pavilion 
with a major Bruce Nauman show. And, perhaps most importantly, she led 
our city's unprecedented effort to keep The Gross Clinic in the city.
  Anne d'Harnoncourt had an unmatched impact on the world of art. 
Through her pioneering of the blockbuster exhibit, she had an equally 
unmatched impact on Philadelphia's economy. But, her true impact was 
most felt in the lives of Philadelphia's children.
  Under Ms. d'Harnoncourt's leadership, the Philadelphia Museum of Art 
has devoted significant staff and monetary resources to exciting and 
innovative educational efforts for our kids. The museum has developed 
curricula and exhibits designed to teach children the arts, math and 
history. Every exhibit in the museum is welcoming to kids and the sight 
of busloads of delighted, beaming faces brings joy to everyone who sees 
them.
  Madam Speaker, Anne d'Harnoncourt is one of those once in a lifetime 
people who can never be replaced. She will be sorely missed. But, 
because of her work, her legacy will live forever.

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