Guggenheim Museum Cuts Ties With Sackler Family Amid Opioid Controversy

The art world is witnessing a significant shift as institutions reconsider their associations with donors linked to controversial practices. A day after Tate Galleries made a similar call, the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City announced it will accept no more funds from the billionaire Sackler family. This decision stems from the family's connections to the opioid addiction epidemic, which has had devastating impacts across the United States. According to the New York Times, the museum's announcement conveyed that, "in the present circumstances, we do not think it right to seek or accept further donations from the Sacklers."

The Sackler family, known for their ownership of Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has faced growing backlash due to the opioid crisis. The marketing strategies employed by Purdue Pharma in the 1990s are largely regarded as significant contributors to the current epidemic of addiction and overdoses. In 2007, Purdue's parent company even pleaded guilty to charges of misleadingly labeling OxyContin, further damaging the family's reputation.

As part of its prior association, a donation of $7 million from the Sacklers facilitated the establishment of the Sackler Center for Arts Education at the Guggenheim Museum. Despite the controversy, there are currently no plans to alter the center's name, as it was established through contractual agreements. The museum has stated that it received a total of $9 million from the Sacklers between 1995 and 2015, with no contributions since 2015 and no additional gifts planned for the future. A representative for the Sackler family expressed their surprise at the museum's announcement, assuring that the family remains committed to philanthropic efforts, despite the ongoing legal challenges they face related to the opioid crisis.