State Street donates $10 million to MFA

As its record-setting campaign heads to the finish line, the Museum of Fine Arts today announced a $10 million gift from State Street Corp., the largest single contribution from a corporation in the museum's history.

The MFA's Fenway entrance, shuttered since the early 1980s but set to reopen next year, will be named after State Street.

The gift from the Boston financial services firm brings the MFA's fund-raising total to $415 million, $85 million away from its goal. The money will fund a massive expansion project set to be completed in 2010.

The project, designed by the British firm Foster and Partners, will add galleries, shops, and a 70-foot-high glass spine that will run through the complex.

Since 1981, the main entrance has been at the West Wing, designed by I.M. Pei. But in 1995, the museum opened its Huntington Avenue doors, which had been closed four years earlier to save money.

The Fenway entrance is part of the MFA's effort to open itself up more to the community, along with restoring its connection to the Emerald Necklace parkland the building overlooks.

State Street has long supported the MFA. Museum records show contributions dating back to 1970. More recently, State Street sponsored Fashion Show: Paris Collections 2006.

"There was a lot of familiarity with the needs of the MFA,"’ said Ronald E. Logue, State Street's chief executive. "‘We truly believe we are a global company so when we bring non-US customers to Boston, we really want to show off Boston. One of the places you can do that is at the Museum of Fine Arts."

Museum officials also said the MFA has received a $1.5 million challenge grant from the Michigan Kresge Foundation.

"It raises the bar, and I think it sends a message,"’ said William McAvoy, the MFA's director of institutional giving. "This is really important, from our point of view, at a time when we both know the corporate climate in Boston is tough. They really sent a message that support of cultural institutions is vital to the city’s vitality.’"
(By Geoff Edgers, Globe staff)