(Charlotte, N.C.) – The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has received a three-year grant totaling $350,000 in support of the museum’s free admission to military members, its Family Day program and its development efforts.

On November 11, 2014 (Veterans Day), the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art began offering free admission to all active-duty and retired military personnel, National Guard, Reserve and their families. The grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will allow the museum to continue this special discount to military members.

Funds from the grant will also be used to expand the museum’s Family Day program. Held three times a year on select Saturdays, the Bechtler’s Family Day program encourages children and families to explore the art and artists in the Bechtler collection through special art activities and family-focused museum tours. Family Day events are scheduled to coincide with the Charlotte Symphony's Lollipops concerts for kids, which precede each Family Day event and are held in the Knight Theater adjacent to the Bechtler.

In an effort to increase the museum’s fundraising capacity, a portion of the grant will be used to support a sustainable financial model so the Bechtler can continue to serve the Charlotte community in innovative and impactful ways. To energize fundraising efforts by museum staff and board members, the Duke Energy Foundation is issuing a one-time $50,000 matching grant challenge to increase major donors and incent new donors at all levels. Now through June 2015, donations of $1,000 or more to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (made by new donors or increases in current levels of support) will be matched by the Foundation.

“We are so grateful for Duke Energy’s strong and consistent support since our opening in 2010 and we greatly value the company’s willingness to help underwrite the core expenses of the museum plus investing in our most innovative programming,” said Bechtler president and CEO John Boyer.

“The Duke Energy Foundation is proud to support the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art,” said Stick Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “As a fellow neighbor on the Levine Center for the Arts campus, the Bechtler continues to be an integral part of our community, providing innovative outreach to communities that otherwise may not have access to its collection, exhibits and educational programming. We are pleased to partner with the Bechtler to help it continue its critical work.”  

The grant announcement took place January 2, 2015 as the Bechtler celebrated its 5^th anniversary during a special Jazz at the Bechtler concert performed in the neighboring Knight Theater. Duke Energy Foundation president Stick Williams joined Bechtler president and CEO John Boyer on stage for a ceremonial check presentation. (Photos of the presentation are available upon request.) 

About the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to the exhibition of mid-20^th-century modern art. It is named after the family of Andreas Bechtler who assembled and inherited a collection created by seminal figures in modernism. The museum is located at Levine Center for the Arts, 420 South Tryon Street, Charlotte. Operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. For museum details visit bechtler.org.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation actively works to improve the quality of life in its communities, lending expertise in the form of leadership and philanthropic support to charitable organizations.  Duke Energy has long been committed to building and supporting the communities in which its customers and employees live and work. 

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Media Contact:

Pam Davis, Director of Communications and Marketing
pam.davis@bechtler.org
Office: 704.353.9204
Mobile: 704.975.2363

Duke Energy Foundation Media Contact:

Paige Layne, Corporate Communications
Office: 704 382-4893
24-Hour Media Line: 800.559.3853