Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A 50 Million Dollar Gift To The Loyola University Chicago

Adorned with European antiques, 17th century tapestries, classical sculpture and other works of art, the entry to the Cuneo Estate is a portal to privilege most can't comprehend.

Casual visitors once included business titans like former Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls owner Arthur Wirtz and insurance mogul James Kemper. A hand-carved table of walnut and olive wood was a gift from publishing giant William Randolph Hearst, a friend of printing magnate John Cuneo.

What was once the family home for more than a half-century, the Cuneo Museum and Gardens was opened by John Cuneo Jr. in 1991 to share his father's collections with the public.

"It shows people another way of life," Cuneo said of his boyhood home.

But after all this time, Cuneo, 78, is ready to move on. Although his immediate involvement will end, the legacy and family largesse will be preserved with the gift of the Cuneo Estate and nearly 100 acres to Loyola University Chicago.

Link (here) to the full article.

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