Corcoran Could Clip Its New Wing

Corcoran Could Clip Its New Wing: "Corcoran Could Clip Its New Wing
Chairman Says Ailing Gallery Can't Afford Frank Gehry's Showpiece
By Bob Thompson and Jacqueline Trescott
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, May 20, 2005; Page A01
The Corcoran Gallery of Art's chairman said yesterday that the 136-year-old institution is in such serious financial straits that it should suspend efforts to build its much-heralded new wing, for which architect Frank Gehry has already completed a design, and replace its longtime director.

The future of architect Frank Gehry's plan for a new wing for the Corcoran has triggered a leadership struggle at the venerable institution.(
The suspension of the Gehry effort could come as early as Monday, when the board is scheduled to discuss a new strategic plan for the Corcoran. 'In the foreseeable future, there's no choice,' board of trustees Chairman John T. 'Til' Hazel said, citing broad financial difficulties facing the Washington landmark, which includes both the museum and the Corcoran College of Art and Design"