2000, Volume 1PAGE 6

Peabody Place Museum and Gallery Expands One of Country’s Most Exquisite Collections of Chinese Art

The Peabody Place Museum and Gallery, one of the country’s most extensive and rare collections of Chinese artistry, opened its newest wing December 3, 1999.

The new wing, which is approximately 3,000 square feet, is divided into four galleries, which nearly doubles the size of the exhibition space. The expansion also allows for a traveling exhibit area.

The general aesthetics and mood of the Belz collection is kept constant with the addition of several exquisite pieces. The museum is now home to an eclectic collection of artwork and natural treasures including:
• Judaica pieces including menorahs, mezuzahs and torahs
• European contemporary art glass
• A mineral collection including a 75 million-year-old bird fossil from the Liaonins province of China and a petrified dinosaur egg
• Scholar stones which were used to inspire Asian ancient philosophers
• Italian mosaics, boxes and obelisks from semi-precious stones

“Given the enthusiastic response to the opening of the Peabody Place Museum and Gallery last year, my wife Marilyn and I decided to expand the museum in order to share our diverse collection of artwork,” said Jack Belz, chairman and chief executive officer of Belz Enterprises. “Over the years we’ve collected many art forms. This is the first occasion we’ve had the opportunity to show some of these pieces to the public.”

Peabody Place Museum and Gallery remains one of America’s most exquisite collections, from the artistic legacy of the dynasty extending back as far as 2,000 years.

In addition to the many significant pieces added to the collection, Belz further expanded their collection of Chinese art by introducing pieces created from such elements as bronze and rock crystal.

The Peabody Place Museum and Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and noon – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $4.50 for senior citizens, $4 for children under 12, and special rates for tour groups.

Photo at top:

1. Jack Belz personally conducted media tours at the opening of the Peabody Place Museum and Gallery’s new 3,000-square-foot wing.