Hibel Museum of Art facts for kids
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| Established | 1977 |
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| Dissolved | 2015-2018 |
| Location | Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Dr, Jupiter Florida |
| Type | Art Museum |
The Hibel Museum of Art was a special art museum. It was located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida. The museum was created to show the beautiful paintings and other artworks by an artist named Edna Hibel. She was an American artist who lived from 1917 to 2014.
The museum often had different art shows. It also held public events and educational programs for visitors. Edna Hibel's own art library was also kept there.
History of the Museum
The Hibel Museum first opened its doors in 1977. This was in Palm Beach, Florida. It displayed artworks collected by Ethelbelle and Clayton B. Craig. They started collecting Edna Hibel's art in 1961. They met her at her art gallery in Rockport, Massachusetts.
The Craigs wanted to keep many of Hibel's artworks together. This way, students, experts, and fans could easily see them. The museum's collection grew over time. It received a gift of Asian snuff bottles from the Caldwell Family. More of Edna Hibel's art was also donated. Other artworks, dolls, and sculptures were added too.
The museum moved a few times. In 1999, it went to Lake Worth, Florida. Then, in 2002, it moved to its final spot. This was on the Florida Atlantic University campus. The building was designed by Kha Le-Huu and Partners. Construction started in 2001. Edna Hibel gave $900,000 to help build it. The state also provided some matching funds.
Why the Museum Closed
The Hibel Museum closed in 2015. This happened because of a disagreement. It was between the Edna Hibel Art Foundation and Florida Atlantic University. Edna Hibel had given $900,000 to the university. This was meant to help build the museum. The agreement said the university would lease the building for 40 years. The cost was just $1 per year.
However, Hibel and her foundation believed they had invested in a permanent home for the art. After Edna Hibel passed away in 2014, museum employees became unsure about the future. In July 2015, an employee gave the museum's key to the university. The Hibel Art Foundation was not consulted about this.
The university saw this as the foundation giving up the property. They also mentioned other issues. So, the university ended the lease and asked the foundation to leave. The foundation said they had asked to get into the museum. But they claimed the university did not reply.
In 2018, a judge made a ruling. The judge said Florida Atlantic University could keep some of the artworks. They could also keep other items from the museum. This was to help with costs related to the disagreement.
The museum's art collection is now being sent to other places. For example, ten artworks were moved to the Wright Museum of Art. This museum is located at Beloit College.
See also
In Spanish: Museo de arte de Hibel para niños
