Florida University Takes Over Jewish Museum
Florida International University has approved the school’s acquisition of the Jewish Museum of Florida.
The school’s board of trustees passed the merger unanimously last Friday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Pending approval from the state’s Board of Governors, the school would acquire the museum’s collection, library, endowment and two buildings of a former synagogue.
The museum estimates its assets to be worth $20 million to $30 million, though the Sun-Sentinel reported that the university also would take on the museum’s $706,000 mortgage.
“This step will strengthen awareness of our museum and broaden our academic offerings,” Jo Ann Arnowitz, the museum’s executive director, told the Sun-Sentinel.
The museum, which opened in 1995, will join two art museums owned by FIU.
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