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November 26, 2008

Gap Founder Finds Opposition to $1-Billion Museum Gift

The founder of The Gap clothing empire wants to give San Francisco his $1-billion art collection for a new contemporary art museum — but is running into opposition from residents and community groups in the museum’s proposed neighborhood, according to Bloomberg.com.

Don Fisher, founder of Gap Inc., offered more than a year ago to donate his art collection, including works by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and other artists, to create a museum at the Presidio, a former military outpost that is now a national park. But the proposed squat glass building would be nestled among historic mission and colonial-revival design buildings.

“The word I hear most often is ‘appalling,’” said Gary Widman, president of the Presidio Historical Association. “The public is almost unanimously opposed.” The Presidio Trust, which runs the park, is scheduled to vote on the plan next year.

Wednesday November 26, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. It never ceases to amaze me the level of selfishness of people. Here is a person who wants to make a gift to a city, but the people only want to accept it on their own terms. In 50 years the proposed building will be historic. Grow up!

   — Ronald C. Riddick    Nov 26, 02:43 PM    #

2. Ronald,you are so right—but then this is San Francisco we’re taking about, so I guess it is not too surprising!

   — B. James    Nov 26, 04:23 PM    #

3. Is narcissistic behavior greater in California and especially San Francisco? Why not change the name form Saint Francis to something less grandiose and humble?

   — Gary Sweeten    Nov 26, 04:32 PM    #

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