Mary Griggs Burke

Art collector
Questions and Answers

FAQ

Q: Who was Mary Griggs Burke?
A: Mary Griggs Burke was an American philanthropist and collector of Asian art. She was born on June 20, 1916, and died on December 8, 2012. She was known for amassing one of the world's most comprehensive private collections of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean art.
Q: Where was Mary Griggs Burke born?
A: Mary Griggs Burke was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States.
Q: What were some highlights of Mary Griggs Burke's art collection?
A: Mary Griggs Burke's art collection included over 900 Japanese artworks, 800 Chinese artworks, and 400 Korean artworks. Highlights of her collection included ancient bronze objects, Buddhist sculptures, woodblock prints, and ceramics from various periods and dynasties.
Q: What did Mary Griggs Burke do with her art collection?
A: Mary Griggs Burke lent artworks from her collection to numerous exhibitions around the world, including renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Tokyo National Museum in Japan.
Q: Did Mary Griggs Burke donate her art collection?
A: Yes, Mary Griggs Burke donated her extensive art collection to various museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the University of Washington. Her donations totaled over 1,000 artworks, making it one of the largest private gifts to American museums.