Donors and Dollars: Art Community Sees Victory in Summer Settlement at Brandeis

Abstract:     
June 2011 saw the settlement of the bitter legal battle over the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University. The outcome of Meryl Rose, et al, v. Brandeis University, et al, an action brought in July 2009 in Suffolk Probate and Family Court by museum supporters, will keep the Rose open for business. This paper reviews the history of the controversy as well as the legal dispute and settlement that followed. Nonprofits and museums around the country should look at the Brandeis firestorm as cautionary tale against de-accessioning donated artwork to generate revenues - even against the backdrop of a grim recession.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 7

Keywords: Art Law, Art market, Museum law, Museums, Brandeis University, Vassar College, New York Historical Society

Accepted Paper Series