More importantly, the “Friends” group provides us with a resource of individuals, families, and corporate citizens whose investments will help to maintain and to expand our invaluable collections and programs.  Since May 1998, the “Friends” group has made a notable contribution to the museum’s collection, both in terms of new acquisitions and conservation.  Through the generous contributions of its members, it has supported the museum as it has continued to expand its mission to advance the study of Spanish and Latin American culture.

As you may know, the Hispanic Society’s series of monumental paintings by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, The Regions of Spain (1912-1919), is currently on an exhibition tour in Spain through 2009. Sorolla’s masterpiece never has been exhibited in Spain, and due to the size and age of the canvases, it is unlikely that it will ever return. Recognized as a once in a lifetime opportunity, Spanish audiences already have made the exhibition Sorolla: Vision of Spain an unprecedented success. Since November 2007 Sorolla’s masterwork has been seen in Valencia and Sevilla by more than 500,000 visitors, many of whom have acknowledged that this was the first time that they had visited a museum art exhibition. It is anticipated that an additional million visitors will view the exhibition as it travels to Málaga, Bilbao, Barcelona, and the Prado in Madrid.

While Sorolla’s masterpiece tours Spain, the Hispanic Society is embarking upon a complete renovation of the Sorolla Room, built in 1915 to exhibit the monumental paintings. In their absence the roof and skylights will be replaced, and the Sorolla Room will be equipped with new lighting systems and facilities to accommodate climate control.

As always, an additional series of special exhibits will feature the Society's recent acquisitions, including outstanding examples of Latin American colonial art as well as important pieces of Spanish Textiles. These different exhibits, along with the Society's permanent collections on display and ongoing library resources and publications will provide a rich and fascinating panorama of Hispanic culture and history.  In addition, our collaboration with the DIA Foundation will continue to produce fascinating events and exhibitions such as the four outdoor programs which took place on the Museum Terrace in the month of June.

We very much hope that you will choose to be a part of the Society's “Friends” group, all of whom we appreciate so much and consider vital to our success.