Sat Sep 20 13:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Agnes Gund, Philanthropic Giant and Art World Icon, Dies at 87**

**NEW YORK, NY – September 19, 2025** – Agnes Gund, a towering figure in the art world and a passionate advocate for social justice, has passed away at the age of 87 at her home in Manhattan, according to The New York Times. Gund’s death marks the end of an era for institutions she helped shape, from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York to the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) in her hometown.

Born in Cleveland on August 13, 1938, Gund, affectionately known as “Aggie,” inherited a legacy of philanthropy from her father, banker George Gund II. Her early exposure to art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where she attended drawing classes with her mother, ignited a lifelong passion.

After graduating from Miss Porter’s School and earning degrees from Connecticut College and Harvard University, Gund dedicated her life to making art accessible and using it as a catalyst for change.

Her involvement with MoMA began in 1967, culminating in a transformative presidency from 1991 to 2002. Under her leadership, the museum underwent a major expansion and formalized its affiliation with MoMA PS1. In 1977, she established Studio in a School, a pioneering program that placed professional artists in New York City classrooms.

A testament to her commitment to social justice, Gund sold Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” in 2017 and committed $100 million to establish the Art for Justice Fund, which supports national efforts to reduce mass incarceration. Her personal art collection, featuring works by masters like Rothko, Johns, and Kelly, reflected her dedication to overlooked artists. She generously donated hundreds of pieces to museums nationwide, believing art should be widely accessible.

“Agnes Gund was a tireless advocate for art and artists,” said William M. Griswold, CMA’s director and president. “Her legacy will inspire generations to come.”

Gund’s contributions were recognized with the National Medal of Arts in 1997. She is survived by her four children — Catherine, David, Anna and Jessica — and her grandchildren. Her enduring legacy lies in the countless institutions and initiatives she supported, all aimed at harnessing the power of art for the public good.

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