The University of Notre Dame has been awarded a Lilly Endowment grant to support Raclin Murphy Museum of Art’s research, conservation and acquisitions.
The grant was made through Lilly Endowment’s Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. The initiative aims to improve the public understanding of religion and foster greater knowledge of and respect for diverse religious traditions.
“This generous support for the museum will enhance the lives and well-being of others across campus and throughout our community,” said John McGreevy, Notre Dame’s Charles and Jill Fischer provost, in a press release.
The new Raclin Murphy Museum of Art opened in December 2023. It features galleries, public spaces, classrooms, a chapel, a cafe and a bookshop. The museum houses over 30,000 objects.
“With great care and insight towards the understanding, scholarship and growth of our collections, this grant spotlights critical areas for the museum, including research, conservation and strategic acquisitions.” said Joseph Antenucci Becherer, the museum’s director and curator of sculpture.
This marks the university’s second grant through Lilly Endowment’s Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. A grant in 2020 supported the university’s efforts to explore the role of religion, spirituality and faith in its collection of art and artifacts.
With origins that date to 1875, the Raclin Murphy’s collection includes works representing many cultures and periods of world art history. The museum’s works include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, drawings, textiles, baskets and decorative arts. The museum celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025.
“We’ve witnessed how important conservation is and what astonishing things can result,” Becherer said. “We’ve also committed ourselves to significant acquisitions in the sesquicentennial campaign, 150 for 150, and this gives us a great boost.”
(Photo by Mike Rippy/University of Notre Dame)
