Michal Hornstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michal Hornstein
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Michal Hornstein at the National Order of Quebec ceremony in 2013
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| Born | September 17, 1920 |
| Died | April 25, 2016 (aged 95) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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| Known for | Businessman & Philanthropist |
| Awards | Order of Canada National Order of Quebec |
Michal Hornstein (born September 17, 1920 – died April 25, 2016) was a successful businessman and a generous person who loved art. He was born in Poland and later became a Canadian citizen. He is well-known for collecting many beautiful artworks and for giving a lot of money to help important places like museums and hospitals.
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Michal Hornstein's Early Life and Journey
Michal Hornstein was born in Tarnów, Poland, and grew up in Kraków. During World War II, he was captured by the German army. He was put on a train going to Auschwitz, a very sad place. But before the train arrived, Michal bravely jumped off.
He spent the rest of the war hiding from the Nazis. He stayed in forests in Czechoslovakia and lived in cities like Budapest and Bratislava. Many of his family and friends did not survive the war.
Meeting Renata and Moving to Canada
In Bratislava, Michal met Renata Witelson. She was also a Polish Jew trying to escape the Nazis. Renata had hidden in many places, including the Warsaw Ghetto and a convent. They met in a safe house.
In 1946, Michal and Renata got married in Rome, Italy. In 1951, they moved to Montreal, Canada. They were encouraged by the Canadian ambassador to Italy, whom they had become friends with. Michal became a Canadian citizen in 1957.
Building a Business and Helping Others
After moving to Canada, Michal Hornstein started a real estate company called Federal Construction Ltd. This company helped him earn a lot of money. He was the president of this company until he passed away.
The Hornsteins became very important supporters of many places in Montreal. They helped hospitals and universities. But they are most famous for their support of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA).
Supporting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Michal Hornstein was a member of the museum's board of trustees for a long time, starting in 1970. He helped the museum get many new artworks. He also helped raise millions of dollars to fix and expand the museum building.
Michal Hornstein himself gave over 420 pieces of art to the museum. He also helped the museum buy 23 other artworks. In 2012, Michal and Renata announced a huge gift. They donated 75 very old and valuable paintings, called Old Master paintings, to the museum. This gift was worth about $75 million.
The MMFA said it was the biggest private donation ever given to a museum in Quebec. These Old Master paintings are now shown in a special part of the museum called the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace. Another part of the museum, which shows Asian and Islamic art, is also named after them.
Helping Hospitals and Universities
The Hornsteins also gave money to help education and health care. They supported hospitals like the Montreal Heart Institute, the Montreal General Hospital, Hôpital Notre-Dame, and the Jewish General Hospital.
In 2014, Concordia University gave Michal and Renata Hornstein special honorary doctorates. This was to thank them for all their generous giving and support over their lives.
Passing Away
Michal Hornstein passed away at his home in Montreal, Quebec, on April 25, 2016. He was 95 years old.
Awards and Honours
Michal Hornstein received several important awards for his contributions:
- In 1984, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian citizen can receive.
- In 1993, he became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec. He was later promoted to Officer in 2002 and then to Grand Officer in 2013.
