The Phoenix Art Museum received a $3.1 million gift from Ellen and Howard C. Katz for a new wing displaying modern art. The wing is one of five major work orders of the museum’s $41 million expansion project. Previously, the museum has been able to place only about 5 percent of its 17,000 works of art on view at one time. The four-level wing will add more than 25,000 square feet of gallery space, including additional room for private receptions, product launches and special events.

“This is an historic time for Phoenix Art Museum,” said Ellen Katz, vice president of the museum’s board of trustees and chair of the grand opening celebrations. “The strong support of the community for this significant expansion will enable the museum to grow and mature among the nation’s leading art museums.

My husband and I are thrilled to be able to play a role in the museum’s exciting future.” Other major components of the expansion include a new lobby and entry plaza, a sculpture garden/urban oasis, more space for The Museum Store, and growth of the museum’s endowment.