Construction on Hold after Clash Over Museum Wing Forces Director Out

Frank Gehry Venice Architecture Biennale to Honor Frank Gehry for Lifetime Achievement All Around Town Pasadena Art Center Will Not Renew President's Contract Art Center Students Protest Gehry Building La Cienega Story Plans for Gehry's Serpentine Pavilion Unveiled Mad for Murakami

Send a letter to the Editor

Save to Del.icio.us Digg this

David C. Levy, the Corcoran's director for 14 years, is resigning effective May 30, the museum announced Tuesday. Levy clashed with Board of Trustees chairman John T. Hazel, who opposed building the ultramodern, $60 million addition by architect Frank Gehry because not enough money had been raised. The project has now been put on hold, the museum said.

The gallery is in financial trouble and fund-raising has declined despite $40 million offered by the District of Columbia government, which hoped the new wing would attract more tourists to Washington. Museum officials suggested that post-Sept. 11 security measures may also discourage visitors.

The Corcoran's main building, a landmark Beaux Arts stone structure that dates to the late 19th century, would have contrasted sharply with the bright undulating metal surfaces of Gehry's style. The bold design and irregular lines of a museum he did in Bilbao, Spain, have made the architect a popular success.

The Corcoran, which specializes in American art, has suffered in competition with the museums of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art, which have no admission charge. The Corcoran charges $6.75 for adults and $4.75 for seniors.

By Carl Hartman, Associated Press; Copyright 2005 AP

ON THE NET:

Corcoran Gallery of Art