Around The Board
PrintFine Arts Program
The Federal Reserve Board’s Fine Arts Program was established in 1975 by former Chairman Arthur F. Burns in response to a White House directive encouraging federal partnership with the arts. In a 1971 letter from the White House, Richard Nixon wrote, “It is my urgent desire that the growing partnership between Government and the arts continue to be developed to the benefit of both and more particularly to the benefit of the people of America.” Chairman Burns saw this as an opportunity to both enhance the working environment at the Board and to provide its visitors with a memorable visual experience. He created the Fine Arts Program to collect and care for artwork and to organize exhibitions for display in the historic Marriner S. Eccles building.
As with all federal agencies, the Board may receive gifts of artwork on behalf of the American people. The Board’s collection has grown to consists of more than 1,000 works of art, including drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. No government money is used to purchase art. All of the works have been either donated or purchased with funds given by private citizens expressly for the purpose of acquiring art. In addition to the permanent collection, there are additional pieces on long-term loan from museums and private collections. These artworks are on display in public areas and private meeting rooms throughout the Board's buildings in Washington, D.C.
Over its history, the Fine Arts Program has organized more than 150 special exhibitions. These exhibitions highlight individual artists, art movements, and thematic trends. Numerous museums, galleries, libraries, artists, private collectors, and central banks from around the world have generously loaned their collections for exhibition at the Board. Learn more about our exhibitions here.
The Federal Reserve Board presents three exhibitions annually, which are displayed in the Eccles building. Ian Hornak: Transparent Barricades is on view from October 9, 2012 through May 3, 2013, and A Passion for Flowers: Photographs by Bert GF Shankman is on view from January 14 through May 3, 2013. These exhibitions are open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. except federal holidays. Reservations are required at least five business days in advance. For reservations and further information, please use the Contact Us form.
