A monumental gift of $116 million has been bestowed upon the National Gallery of Art, a contribution poised to reshape how America experiences its artistic heritage. This unprecedented donation, made in anticipation of the nation’s 250th birthday, establishes a lasting endowment for the museum’s ambitious “Across the Nation” program.
The benefactor, Mitchell Rales – a 69-year-old billionaire, art collector, and co-founder of the healthcare giant Danaher – views this as a deeply patriotic act. Rales, with an estimated net worth of $4 billion, believes in actively supporting the cultural lifeblood of the country, especially in an era of dwindling arts funding.
“Someone’s got to pick up the slack,” Rales stated, recognizing the increasing pressures on arts organizations nationwide. His gift isn’t simply about adding to the National Gallery’s resources; it’s about extending its reach, making masterpieces accessible to communities often overlooked by major institutions.
The “Across the Nation” program, launched in 2025, directly addresses this need. It allows the National Gallery to lend its vast collection – a treasure trove of 160,000 works, much of which remains in storage – to smaller museums across the country, covering all associated costs.
The impact has already been significant. The pilot program has touched the lives of 900,000 people, bringing iconic works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Mark Rothko to museums in ten states. Institutions like the Mint Museum in North Carolina and the Figge Art Museum in Iowa have benefited from these invaluable loans.
Rales’ vision stems from a simple, yet powerful question: how can the “National” Gallery truly serve the nation? He recognized the untapped potential within its walls, the opportunity to share artistic excellence far beyond the capital. This isn’t about keeping art locked away; it’s about igniting inspiration in every corner of America.
Rales’ commitment to the arts extends beyond this singular donation. He founded the acclaimed private museum Glenstone and has been a dedicated member of the National Gallery’s board of trustees since 2006, even serving as its president from 2019 to 2024.
The National Gallery itself operates on a unique model, a partnership between private philanthropy and public support. Established through the generosity of Andrew W. Mellon, it doesn’t rely on government funding for acquisitions, making private donations like Rales’ all the more crucial to its continued success and national impact.
This gift ensures the “Across the Nation” program will continue to flourish, with a new cycle planned from 2027 through 2029. It’s a bold investment in the future of American art, a testament to the power of shared cultural experiences, and a lasting legacy for a nation celebrating its upcoming milestone.
