The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice. Photo: David Heald
1976
Peggy Guggenheim transfers ownership of her collection to
the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation with the understanding that the
works of art will remain in Venice. She dies in 1979, and the foundation takes ownership of the palazzo. Thomas M. Messer is appointed director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in addition to
his role overseeing the New York museum. He also supervises a major
effort to conserve and document the Venice holdings. In 1980, Messer is
named director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Thomas Krens. Photo: David Heald
1988
Thomas Krens succeeds Messer as director of the Foundation.
Krens takes charge of an expansion program already underway in New
York, which will include an annex designed by Gwathmey Siegel &
Associates Architects, and initiates planning for a comprehensive
restoration of the Wright building.