The Toledo Museum of Art boasts a unique history among encyclopedic museums. As director Adam M. Levine notes, "The museum was established in 1901 with financial backing rather than a pre-existing collection. What sets our acquisitions apart is that they are primarily funded by our endowment, not through donations." This approach, according to Levine, allows curators to take the lead in the acquisitions process.
"Since the resources are owned by the museum, there's a stronger alignment among stakeholders. The primary consideration is whether a piece aligns with our acquisition strategy, without the complexities that often accompany donor relations. While donors can be beneficial, they add another layer to the decision-making process, allowing us to focus more intently on our collecting goals," he explains.
This strategy emphasizes "collecting exceptional works from various cultures and eras," which will be prominently displayed during a significant chronological reinstallation set for 2027, a process that commenced last year.
In 2025, the museum added over 200 artworks to its collection, many of which are currently on display or will be soon. The acquisitions include pieces by artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Milton Avery, sculptures by Joan Miró and Chakaia Booker, as well as prints by Rose B. Simpson and Kara Walker.
Levine elaborates on some of the standout works entering the collection and their role in the upcoming reinstallation.
Park Seo-Bo
The museum's Georgia Welles Apollo Society, established 40 years ago, mirrors a similar initiative at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. The museum has acquired a piece from Park Seo-Bo's "Ecriture" series, a pencil and oil on canvas, through this program.
Each year, a different curator manages acquisitions under the Georgia Welles Apollo Society, fostering collaboration and preventing competition among curators. Levine explains, "This approach allows curators to concentrate their efforts and resources on a select few exceptional pieces rather than spreading funds across multiple departments."
With an annual budget ranging from half a million to a million dollars, Christine Starkman, the museum's curator of Asian art, chose Park Seo-Bo's Ecriture 16-76 in 2025. "Christine's extensive background in Korean art history, including her time spent in Korea on a Fulbright, greatly influenced her selection. The artwork was sourced from Kukje Gallery, a leading gallery in Seoul," Levine adds.
This piece will be a focal point in the reinstallation, contributing to the narrative surrounding global modern minimalism alongside an exceptional Agnes Martin already in the collection.
Martin Puryear
Georgia Welles, the founder of the collecting group at the museum, was a prominent figure in Toledo's art scene. Following her passing in 2023, she bequeathed numerous artworks to the museum, with one significant piece being Martin Puryear's 1973 sculpture Bound Cone.
Levine comments, "This work exemplifies Puryear's early style and possesses a compelling anthropomorphic quality." He notes its versatility for placement in the museum's reinstallation, as curator Paige Rozanski considers its ideal location.
"It could be showcased in a minimalist context or engage with contemporary social themes. Regardless, it will be prominently displayed," Levine assures.
Hale Woodruff
This series of six murals by Hale Woodruff was commissioned for Talladega College, a historically Black college in Alabama, depicting pivotal moments in Black history. The museum's acquisition involved a collaborative partnership with Art Bridges, the Terra Foundation, and Talladega College, as Levine explains.
"These murals represent a pinnacle of American muralism, showcasing exceptional artistry. The collaboration among institutions to highlight Woodruff's legacy is particularly noteworthy," he adds.
The Underground Railroad (1942) will eventually be displayed in the Great Gallery, a significant space that will feature a blend of portraits, landscapes, and historical paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries, including the Woodruff mural.
Amoako Boafo
Amoako Boafo's 2021 painting White Picnic Blanket will also grace the newly revamped Great Gallery. Levine visited Boafo in Accra, facilitated by Gallery 1957, which collaborates with various West African artists. "Boafo's craftsmanship is beautifully illustrated in this painting," he remarks, highlighting the intricate details of the work.
Crusader Icon
The museum recently acquired a rare 13th-century panel from art dealer Sam Fogg at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht. Previously on loan at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for three decades, this piece provides context to the museum's chronological reinstallation, connecting historical narratives.
Etel Adnan
Following a common practice, the Toledo Museum of Art prefers to view artworks in person before finalizing purchases. This approach can be challenging when dealing directly with individual collectors, such as in the case of an early painting by Etel Adnan, acquired from a collector in Lebanon.
"Our discussions emphasized the importance of the painting's context and interpretation, which reassured the collector of our commitment to showcasing the artwork appropriately," Levine concludes.
