Beyoncé Donates $2 Million To Studio Museum In Harlem In Honor Of Her 45th Birthday

Beyoncé Donates $2 Million To Studio Museum In Harlem In Honor Of Her 45th Birthday

Beyoncé celebrated her 45th birthday by giving back in a major way.

The global superstar, entrepreneur and art collector donated $2 million to the Studio Museum in Harlem on Sept. 4, her birthday. Founded in 1968, the New York City institution is known for championing artists of African descent and work inspired and influenced by Black culture.

Explaining why the museum is important to her, Beyoncé said,

“Art tells all our stories; the past and the present, but is not always accessible to everyone.”

She added that she has “always been impressed” by the Studio Museum’s efforts to make itself an integral part of the Harlem community, noting that exhibitions there have introduced her to several of her favorite emerging Black artists. Beyoncé described the museum as a place where audiences can discover stories told through diverse artists whose work reflects humanity.

Museum director and chief curator Thelma Golden thanked Beyoncé for the multimillion-dollar contribution, saying the gift will help the institution continue strengthening its work for people in Harlem, across New York and around the world. The donation comes less than a year after the Studio Museum reopened in a new purpose-built home on West 125th Street.

Beyoncé’s birthday celebration also included music. The singer marked the 20th anniversary of her 2006 album B’Day with a remastered deluxe edition.