The Berkshire Museum says it’s all done selling its art. The museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, faced lawsuits related to the controversial plan.
In the past year, the Berkshire Museum sold 22 pieces of art, including a pair of Norman Rockwell paintings. That brought in $53.5 million, just shy of the $55-million allowed under a settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General.
Museum officials say the money was needed to keep its doors open, shore up its endowment and renovate the century-old building.
The decision to sell the art brought national media attention and lawsuits, including from some of Rockwell’s children. The move was also criticized by industry groups — several of whom cut ties with the Berkshire Museum.
In a statement, board president, Elizabeth McGraw, says the museum is focused on making it “more interesting, inspiring and engaging to the broad community it serves.”
