PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Figge Art Museum is Debt Free
Join us for the Virtual Mortgage Burning Ceremony
Davenport, Iowa (August 10, 2020) – Fifteen years after opening its doors in downtown Davenport, the Figge Art Museum has successfully paid off the $3 million building debt. To celebrate, the Figge will be burning the mortgage at the 15th Anniversary Finale on August 21.
The Figge opened its doors on August 6, 2005, but its history began years before. The museum had its humble beginnings as the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, which opened on October 10, 1928, before moving to Museum Hill in the 1960s to become the Davenport Museum of Art. The building was designed by British architect David Chipperfield and is one of his first architectural commissions in the United States. The Figge Art Museum gets its name from the V.O. and Elizabeth Kahl Figge Foundation, which donated $13 million towards its $47 million construction.
The public is invited to participate in the Figge’s 15th anniversary virtual grand finale filmed live from Tony and Joyce Singh’s Prairie Oaks and featuring a countdown to the BIG BANG DESTRUCTION of the mortgage debt. This event, sponsored by The Singh Group – Merrill Lynch, has a $10 ticket (viewing only) and a $65 one (dinner and viewing). The food selection includes a meal prepared by chefs from The Outing Club with the option to dine at the club (membership not required; private rooms available) or take advantage of curbside pickup (beginning at 4 p.m.). Proceeds from this event benefit the Figge Art Museum. Visit www.figgeartmuseum.org to register.
“This puts an exclamation point on the 15 days of virtual events happening in celebration of the Figge’s 15th anniversary,” said Figge Executive Director and CEO Michelle Hargrave. “Not only is the museum turning 15, but the debt is paid off, which provides even more reason to celebrate.”
The Figge paid off the mortgage construction debt thanks to the dedicated support of donors and community partners, including the Bechtel Trusts, John Deere Foundation, Regional Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority, Vision Iowa, City of Davenport and Quad City Bank & Trust.
“We are forever grateful for their unwavering support over these past 15 years and find it fitting to celebrate in this unique way that involves the community,” Hargrave said.
Despite this unusual time in the world, the Figge isn’t missing a beat. The hard-working staff and devoted volunteers are working behind-the-scenes to find ways to keep the community engaged and connected with the museum. From the 15 days of virtual events to the Figge’s Virtual Museum offerings, there are many ways to get involved and be a part of everything the Figge has to offer.
“Under normal circumstances the museum may have had an in-person mortgage burning, but these arenot normal times,” said Director of Development Sara Volz. “We have adapted and come up with a one-of-a-kind way to bring this event to anyone who wants to take part in whatever way they are most comfortable.”
The Figge needs the continued support of the community. You can help by making a donation, registering for an event, bidding on one of the online auction items or becoming a member. Visit www.figgeartmuseum.org to see how you can make a difference and get involved with all the Figge has to offer including a full list of the 15th anniversary events.
Details of the 15th Anniversary Finale:
15th Anniversary Finale
7 p.m. Friday, August 21
$10 per person |$65 with dinner
Happy Anniversary Figge! Move over Ryan Seacrest and New Year’s Eve specials. Join the grand finale at the Tony and Joyce Singh's Prairie Oaks featuring a countdown to the BIG BANG DESTRUCTION of our mortgage debt; a blessing of the Figge by the Native America Coalition of the Quad Cities; as well as Figge Executive Director Michelle Hargrave, the Singh family, and surprise guests. Thanks to YOU, Quad Cities, we have successfully paid off our $3 million dollar building debt!
While joining in the virtual festivities, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by chefs at the “Grande Dame” of Quad City clubs, The Outing Club. Dine at the club (membership not required; private rooms available) or take advantage of curbside pickup (beginning at 4 p.m.). Proceeds from this event benefit the Figge Art Museum.
Sponsored by The Singh Group - Merrill Lynch
About the Figge Art Museum:
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and hosts world-class traveling exhibitions, art classes, lectures, and special events that attract visitors of all ages. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays; and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made at www.figgeartmuseum.org or by calling 563-345-6632. Reservation times are available at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday; Thursdays there is also a 5:30 p.m. slot available for all. The 10 a.m. reservation period Tuesday-Friday will be reserved for those who are high-risk visitors. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students with ID and $4 children ages 4- 12. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and to all on Thursday evenings and FREE TO ALL August 6-21. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
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