Free Library acquires Rosenbach Museum

After receiving $3 million in donations to facilitate the deal, the Free Library of Philadelphia has acquired the Rosenbach Museum & Library.
 
$2.7 million of the “Transition Fund” has been committed or pledged thus far, including $1 million from the Wyncote Foundation on the recommendation of Rosenbach board member Frederick R. Haas. The newly named Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation will remain at current location on Delancey Place with its staff and collections intact.
 
“The merger … opens up an exciting new chapter in the cultural life of Greater Philadelphia—and, in fact, the world at large,” said Tobey Gordon Dichter, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “By uniting these two great collections, The Rosenbach of the Free Library Foundation will be able to engage more visitors than ever before through innovative educational programming and captivating exhibitions.”
 
“The Rosenbach’s future is bright indeed,” said Arthur Spector, Chair of the Rosenbach Museum & Library’s Board of Trustees. “The incredible combination of the Free Library and the Rosenbach’s leadership, collections, and staff will engage everyone from scholars to the general public from Philadelphia and around the world.”
 
The relationship between the Free Library and The Rosenbach dates back over 65 years ago, with combined annual visitation reaching 6 million in-person and 9 million online.