New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts is renaming the Great Hall of the James B. Duke House in honor of Vilcek Foundation Cofounder, Vice Chairman & Secretary Marica Vilcek. Established in 1932, the Institute of Fine Arts is a center of advanced research and graduate teaching in art history, archaeology, and art conservation.

“The Institute and the Great Hall serve as a home for students, young curators, and scholars as they begin their careers, and a host for so many vital functions in the arts in New York,” says Marica. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Institute of Fine Arts in this manner. I am sincerely grateful to have my name affiliated in this meaningful way with the Institute.”

Andrew Hamilton, president of New York University, stated, “As a board member and chair, Marica has steadfastly supported the Institute’s mission: excellence in scholarship and development of the next generation of leadership in art history and curation, archaeology, and conservatorship. I cannot think of a more apt distinction than to name the Great Hall, the heart of the IFA’s long-time home, after Marica, who has so devotedly sustained the heart of the Institute.”

Marica has served on the Institute of Fine Arts’ board since 2013, and was appointed Board Chair in 2015.  In 2018, with her husband Jan, Marica endowed the Institute of Fine Arts’ curatorial program. The Marica and Jan Vilcek Curatorial Program ensures the Institute of Fine Arts’ position as a premier school in the training of curators for the global arts community.

Observed Christine Poggi, the Judy and Michael Steinhardt Director of the Institute of Fine Arts, “It is particularly fitting to have Marica Vilcek’s name grace our Great Hall because it’s emblematic of her role at the heart of the Institute. It is in this iconic space that we host so many of the Institute’s events, gatherings, and  exhibitions. Future events and celebrations in this hall will take on a new meaning as we recognize such a devoted patron of the arts and of the Institute.”

Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel joined the board of directors of the Institute of Fine Arts in 2019. The appointment built on the shared values of the Vilcek Foundation and the Institute for fostering appreciation in the arts, and brought the expertise Rick has demonstrated through his curation of the Vilcek Collection and leadership of the Vilcek Foundation’s philanthropic work to the Institute.

In April, the Vilcek Foundation collaborated with the Institute of Fine Arts to produce a video recording of keys to my city in the Institute’s Great Hall.  The collaboration pays homage to Marica and the Vilcek Foundation’s relationship with the Institute of Fine Arts, and to the 2022 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in the arts and humanities, which will be awarded in Dance.

keys to my city features a performance choreographed by Vilcek Creative Promise Prize Honoree Alice Gosti, and performed by Gosti, Alyza DelPan-Monley, and Lorraine Lau. In keys to my city the Great Hall of the Institute of Fine Arts is an active and vital participant: the structural, sculptural, and material qualities of the hall are active players. keys to my city, performed by Gosti, DelPan-Monley, and Lau, will be released to the public in July 2021.

Read more about the renaming of the Great Hall in honor of Marica Vilcek at the Institute of Fine Arts.