The Kimbell Art Museum is dedicated to the education, increased enjoyment and cultural enrichment of the public through the display and interpretation of works of art. Our knowledge and understanding of the heritage of civilization is largely dependent upon the continued survival of the kinds of art objects contained in this museum.
It follows that the paramount duty of the Kimbell Art Museum is to display and interpret to present generations and preserve for future generations, the highest aspirations of past generations as represented in the works of art entrusted to its care.
The Museum aims to form collections of the highest possible aesthetic quality, derived from any and all periods in man's history, and in any medium or style. The entire province of art is considered appropriate as the source of material for the collections.
Consistent with the educational, interpretive, and recreational purposes of the Kimbell Art Museum, the constant display and interpretation of its permanent art collection, plus programs of changing exhibitions, scholarly lectures and symposia, conferences of visiting scholars, continuing research in art, publications, and the encouragement of the general public's understanding and interest in art shall be undertaken. The Museum, through its staff, shall participate in all activities considered to be in furtherance of the encouragement of art.
The Kimbell Art Foundation was established by Kay Kimbell a successful entrepreneur in the grain business, retailing, real estate, and petroleum his wife, Velma Fuller Kimbell, and Mr. Kimbell's sister and her husband, Dr. and Mrs. Coleman Carter, in the 1930s shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Kimbell purchased their first paintings. Throughout the following decades the Kimbells continued to collect artworks, and when Mr. Kimbell died in 1964, he left his art collection and entire personal fortune to the Foundation for the establishment of a public art museum of the first rank in Fort Worth. Mrs. Kimbell, within a few months, contributed her share of their property to facilitate the immediate and full implementation of her husband's wishes.
By 1966, the Kimbell Art Foundation board of directors had appointed Dr. Richard F. Brown as the Museum's first director and adopted the policy to form collections of the highest aesthetic quality, derived from any and all periods in man's history, and in any medium or style. They envisioned a small assembly of objects that exemplified the highest aspirations of past generations, enshrined under natural light in modestly
scaled galleries of fine materials that would charm as well as enrich the visitor.
From beginning of civilization to the early twentieth century; Egyuptian, and classical antiquities, Asian, Mesoamerican, African, European old master paintings and sculpture approximately 310 pieces.
Docent program- tours of special exhibitoins and premanent collection; school tours, public tours. Workshops for adults, children and hearing-impaired. Educational resoureces- teacher's packets, slide programs, videos, Teacher previews and events, family guides, family festivals and lectures and video programs.