UPDATE: This Dayton institution has quietly raised $14 million under our noses

Credit: Rendering submitted

Credit: Rendering submitted

Friday lunch at Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest celebration not only came with lederhosen but with a big announcement.

Michael R. Roediger, the museum’s director and CEO, kicked off its 47th annual event by announcing the museum’s Centennial Campaign at the festival’s Lederhosen Lunch.

>> Daytonian of the Week: Michael Roediger, Dayton Art Institute

"As The DAI prepares to celebrate the centennial of its founding in 2019, we are proud to announce a Centennial Campaign to raise funding for capital improvements and increased endowment funds," Roediger said. "Our $27 million campaign,  Caring for Our Treasures, Connecting with Our Community, Securing Our Future, is now in its public phase, and we invite our friends, partners, and supporters to invest in the future of your Dayton Art Institute."

>> It’s officially Oktoberfest season! Here are the best celebrations near Dayton

The museum has already quietly raised $14 million of the campaign’s 27 million goal.

Credit: Rendering submitted

Credit: Rendering submitted

About $15 million will go to the museum’s endowment and $12 million is needed for capital improvements to its building located at 456 Belmonte Park N. in Dayton.

The DAI has paid off $16.5 million dollars in debt in the last five years.

>> Insider’s Guide to the Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest 

Projects already complete include:

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Credit: Rendering submitted

  • The restrooms off the Great Hall and in the lower court have been renovated and are ADA American Disabilities Act Compliant.
  • The museum exterior has been tuckpointed, cleaned and sealed.
  • All the windows in the upper galleries have been replaced providing better climate control, better security and in some galleries letting in natural light.
  • An ADA accessible pedestrian walkway on the museum grounds is completed and landscaped.
  • The newly named Mimi & Stuart Rose Auditorium has been completely restored to its original beauty.

>> RELATED: PHOTOS: Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest 2017 

The museum says planned projects include:

  • All the collection galleries will either be refreshed or reinterpreted over the next two years.
  • The Balcony will be restored and reopened.
  • The front Historic Hillside will have a complete restoration of the Grand Staircases, fountains, lighting and landscaping

>> RELATED The Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest mugs are a coveted collectible

Credit: Rendering submitted

Credit: Rendering submitted

Credit: Rendering submitted

Credit: Rendering submitted

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