Failed Plans, Fresh Crises, a New Relationship

Abstract

The 1980s were the museum’s most prosperous era since the 1920s despite its occasional disputes with Young. Buoyed by ever higher allocations from the state, the museum spent freely on exhibitions, including several it originated such as Puppets: Art and Entertainment based largely on its extensive and highly regarded holdings; the acquisition of many significant works, the Chandler-Pohrt collection of over 750 Native American objects among the most notable and transformative (Fig. 4.1); and the completion of renovations improving galleries, public facilities, and visitor access (Fig. 4.2).