The Reading Public Museum has announced an opportunity for the public to contribute to a landmark project: a custom Dale Chihuly chandelier to permanently hang in The Museum Atrium. Only $50,000 is needed to bring this project to fruition, and a GoFundMe page has been created to help The Museum achieve its goal.
In 2004, Dale Chihuly’s exhibition, A Celebration in Glass, drew visitors from across the region to the Reading Public Museum. Inspired, members of the Reading community collectively commissioned Fountain Spray—a group of luminous glass spirals that would rise from the water in the 2nd floor fountain, surrounding the beloved Drinking Girl statue. About a decade later, following many leaks and unsuccessful repairs, the decision was made to remove the fountain for the greater safety of The Museum’s collection. After disassembly, the Chihuly tendrils that had been custom made for the fountain were stored in museum vaults and have remained there ever since.
The Museum now wishes to give them new life as part of a bold, custom Dale Chihuly chandelier suspended above The Museum’s Atrium. The Dale Chihuly Studio has submitted detailed plans for a chandelier that will utilize the existing glass elements from Fountain Spray and incorporate additional new glass elements as needed. The Studio will design and fabricate the chandelier’s steel armature and complete full installation. The total cost of the project is $250,000.
”$200,000 has already been raised toward this project because our supporters, community leaders, and Board of Directors believe it will become an iconic symbol of The Reading Public Museum,” said Executive Director & CEO Geoffrey K. Fleming. “Now we’re inviting the entire community to take part and help us complete the journey toward the final $50,000. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to unveiling a breathtaking work of art that will inspire generations of visitors and serve as a lasting source of pride for our region.”
To donate via GoFundMe, visit: https://gofund.me/467b1765a. Alternately, donations can be made directly by contacting Ashley Houston, Director of Development at ashley.houston@readingpublicmuseum.org or 610-371-5850 x240.
The Reading Public Museum is a dynamic center of lifelong learning that collects, preserves, and interprets objects of art, science, and civilization to engage, educate, and enlighten current and future generations from our diverse communities.
The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA. Admission per day is: $14 adults (18-64), $8 children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to Members and children three years old and under. Currently enrolled Reading School District students and up to five accompanying guests receive free regular Museum admission and free admission to public Neag Planetarium shows with proof of enrollment. The Museum is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Online: www.readingpublicmuseum.org
