Himalayan art museum to open in Chelsea in March 2004.

"Much of Tibet's rich artistic heritage has been lost forever. Collectors Donald and Shelley Rubin have dedicated themselves to preserving what remains piece by piece." On news stands now, Stephen Wallis's Art & Auction cover story profiles Donald & Shelley R passionate caretakers of Tibet's cultural heritage and two life-long New Yorkers who will open a $60 million dollar museum devoted to the art of the Himalayas in New York's Chelsea district. Opening in March 2004, the museum will house the most extensive collection of Tibetan paintings in the West and related artistic projects. Through their collection and web site www.himalayanart.org important works will become available to the public for the first time.

The Rubin Museum of Art (RMA), a major new museum and cultural center, located on the site of the former Barney's department store located at 150 W 17th and 7th Avenue will reflect the creative vision of architect Richard Blinder of the New York firm, Beyer Blinder and Belle. The building will have approximately 25, 000 SF of gallery space and a state-or-the-art auditorium for performances and events. The home of the permanent collection will be a five-floor tower. A spiral staircase designed by Andre Putnam remains intact to serve as a metaphor for traversing the levels of meaning in Himalayan culture.

Interviews with Donald & Shelley Rubin are currently being scheduled please contact Workhouse Publicity, CEO Adam Nelson directly 212. 334. 8006 or via email [e-mail]

Drawn by the unusual and dynamic beauty of Himalayan art, Donald and Shelley Rubin purchased their first painting over 25 years ago. The Rubin Collections form one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Tibetan and Himalayan paintings in the world.

Comprised of over 1,200 pieces, the collections include recognized masterpieces as well as a large number of historically valuable works. RMA grew out of the determination to share these compelling works of art with the public, as well as their desire to help in the documentation, preservation and scholarship in the field.