$250,000 Rubinstein Pavilion of Contemporary Art Opened in Tel Aviv

The $250,000 Helena Rubinstein Pavilion of Contemporary Art of the Tel Aviv Museum was dedicated here this evening with ceremonies at which Madame Rubinstein was present. Principal speakers were: Zalman Aranne, Israel Minister of Education and Culture; Mayor Haim Levanon of Tel Aviv; William O. Baxter, Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy; Eliezer Peri, chairman of the Israel board of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation; and Madame Rubinstein.

Madame Rubinstein, in her remarks, made formal presentation of three painting which will be apart of permanent collection of the pavilion. They are two Utrillos and one Portinari. This additional gift is valued at over $30,000. Madame Rubinstein said:

“In presenting to Israel a Pavilion for Contemporary Art, I have had the happy privilege and opportunity of combining two deep and abiding interests–my great enthusiasm for the brave new State of Israel, and my respect for contemporary art in all its phases. The remarkable achievements of the courageous people of Israel in ten short years of statehood have thrilled me, and I have been moved by their pioneer struggle and growth. Impressive, too, are the contemporary art forms and cultural progress achieved by a people so necessarily concerned with the establishment and expression of a national identity.

“This pavilion,” she continued, “is offered as a showcase for the outstanding work of the artists of Israel and as an everlasting tribute to the heroism of a people dedicated to freedom. I am proud that the pavilion will bear my name, and it is my heartfelt hope that it will contribute to the continued development of art in Israel.”