Perry T. Rathbone

Perry Townsend Rathbone
"Perry T. Rathbone" by Max Beckmann
BornJuly 3, 1911
DiedJanuary 22, 2000(2000-01-22) (aged 88)
Alma materHarvard University
Spouse
(m. 1945)
6th Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
In office
1955–1972
Preceded byGeorge Harold Edgell
Succeeded byMerrill C. Rueppel
5th Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum
In office
1940–1955
Preceded byMeyric R. Rogers
Succeeded byCharles Nagel

Perry Townsend Rathbone (July 3, 1911 – January 22, 2000) was one of the leading American art museum directors of the 20th century. As director of the St. Louis Art Museum from 1940 to 1955, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston from 1955 to 1972, he transformed these institutions from quiet repositories of art to vibrant cultural centers. Known for his sensitive installations as well as his bold publicity stunts, he increased the membership and attendance figures of both institutions exponentially, and also added significant works to their permanent collections across the board.[1]

  1. ^ Rathbone, Belinda (2014). The Boston Raphael: A Mysterious Painting, an Embattled Museum in an Era of Change and a Daughter's Search for the Truth. Boston: David R. Godine. ISBN 978-1-567925227.