SAN ANTONIO, TX.- The McNay Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Witte Museum, received a bequest of $800,000 per institution from the estate of Frances and Louis Wagner for an endowment to provide annual support for their lecture series. The Wagners were longtime members of these institutions and had underwritten a number of special lectures in the past. McNay director William J. Chiego stated, "These major bequests are a demonstration ofthe Wagners' extraordinary generosity and wide range of interests. Over the years they sponsored a variety of distinguished speakers at the McNay, and it is wonderful to continue that tradition." Marise McDermott, President & CEO of the Witte, added "These funds enable the Witte to present informative and engaging discussions to the community of San Antonio and South Texas, ensuring the Witte remains a safe haven for public discourse."

The San Antonio Museum of Art received an initial gift from the Wagners in 2000 to establish the Louis A. and Frances B. Wagner Lecture Series. This most recent gift added $800,000 in principal to this existing endowment, and according to SAMA Director Katie Luber, "it will continue to allow the San Antonio Museum of Art to present several diverse and enriching lectures annually from some of the world's most renowned experts in every aspect of the arts."

There is no doubt this generous gift is an important contribution to San Antonio and its residents, who will surely enjoy enriching lectures at their beloved museums.