Perelmans Make Major Gift to Regional Performing Arts Center
November 24, 1997
The campaign to build the Regional Performing Arts Center (RPAC), took another positive step forward today with a major gift from Philadelphia philanthropists and cultural advocates Raymond G. and Ruth Perelman.
Mayor Edward G. Rendell announced the Perelman’s $5 million gift this morning at a press conference in City Hall.
"With this substantial gift, the dream of building a stellar performing arts center will return Philadelphia to its rightful place as one of the cultural capitals of the world is within reach," said Rendell. "Philadelphia is fortunate indeed to have citizens such as Ray and Ruth Perelman who recognize the importance of the arts to the future of the region."
The $5 million Perelman gift will fund the construction of Raymond G. and Ruth Perelman Hall.
"Ruth and I are excited about what the Regional Performing Arts Center means to the future of the Philadelphia and we’re happy that we can play a part in making the dream of a new world-class facility become a reality," said Raymond Perelman, chairman of the board of Belmont Industries. a Philadelphia-based holding company.
The Perelman gift brings the total amount of funds raised for RPAC to $147 million.
"I am personally very gratified by the spark Ray and Ruth’s gift gives to our fundraising success," said Willard Rouse III, chairman of the board of RPAC. "Future generations of concertgoers and music lovers will benefit from their generosity."
Perelman Hall will be one of two performance spaces in the new complex.
The new venture joins the venerable Academy of Music to create a performing arts complex on the Avenue of the Arts that will serve as a residence for the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet, Concerto Soloists, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society as well as other Philadelphia-area-based performing arts organizations. The arts complex will also present touring companies and productions that will bring a diverse range of audiences to the Avenue of the Arts.
Architect Rafael Viñoly’s design for the new center will be unveiled early in 1998. The complex is scheduled to open in the year 2001. Groundbreaking will take place in November of 1998.
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