By Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz

It was my distinct honor earlier this month to witness the grand opening of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. The facility houses a fully renovated art gallery for residents and visitors to our region to enjoy today, tomorrow and for generations to come. What I am most proud of is the fact that the museum is a place that matters, not just for the art contained inside of it, but on how it positively impacts the spirit of all who pass through the brand new Gundlach Building and the various renovated spaces throughout the original campus.

The prior investments made by the institution’s past patrons, John J. Albright, Seymour Knox, and their colleagues allowed us all to enjoy the original Albright Art Gallery, and later what was known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Their contributions also helped lead to the creation of the new world-class facility that was recently completed thanks in large part to the generosity of Jeffrey Gundlach. His matching grant commitment guaranteed that the original plans for the project came to fruition. The investments in the museum made by Jeffrey and Barbara Van Every have helped to bring Buffalo to the forefront of the art world on a global stage.

My administration is fortunate to have visionary partners in government who financially supported this project, including the Erie County Legislature, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the local delegation members of the State Senate and State Assembly. The finished product was built by the hard-working members of our local construction industry and building trades and is something that I know they took tremendous pride in working on.

This is the type of legacy project that will positively impact future generations. Because of the work of many, now 440 pieces of the AKG’s collection will be able to be on display, unlike 170 in the old facility. That is a legacy we can all be proud of.

I encourage everyone to make plans at some point this summer or fall to visit the museum, especially if it has been quite some time since your last walk through the gallery, or if you are someone who has never graced the hallways of the museum. I urge you to come enjoy a remarkable new building that respectfully honors the past, embraces and welcomes you to the surrounding neighborhood, and is the home of a fascinating space to display a unique collection full of cultural treasures that beautifies Erie County with world-renowned art.