THOMAS HOVING

HOVING--Thomas. The Trustees and staff of The Metropolitan Museum of Art mourn the passing of Thomas Hoving, who for the decade from 1967 to 1977 was Director of this institution. With enormous energy and ability, and with magnificent breadth of understanding about art, he presided over an era of unparalleled growth and change that included the creation of the Museum's ambitious master plan for expansion. He had a discerning eye that guided, with great distinction, the Metropolitan's acquisitions of works of art that now reside throughout the encyclopedic collection, many of them as stars. To the museum-going public in the broadest sense, he opened museums on an international scale in terms of accessibility and enjoyment, and this is perhaps his greatest legacy. We extend our deep condolences to his wife and to the entire family. James R. Houghton, Chairman Thomas P. Campbell, Director Philippe de Montebello, Director Emeritus Emily K. Rafferty, President