Amazeum Picks Up $1.5 Million Gift From Walmart Foundation

The Amazeum of Northwest Arkansas’ capital fundraising campaign goal has received a boost with the announcement Wednesday of a $1.5 million gift from the Walmart Foundation.

The donation will be used to fund a traveling exhibit gallery, according to a news release.

The addition will allow the Amazeum to bring in new exhibitions throughout the year by creating a dedicated space inside the museum, which is nearing the start of construction near Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

“We are thrilled to have the Walmart Foundation as a signature partner going forward,” said Sam Dean, executive director of the Amazeum.

The capital goal of $28.5 million must be met before groundbreaking, but officials have said the museum will open sometime in 2015.

Dean said the fundraising campaign is currently at $22 million.

“The entire $28.5 million does not have to be met for construction to begin,” Dean told the Business Journal in an email. “Construction will begin at a threshold where the campaign is ready for the next phase. Which is soon.”

Dean said site preperation work is already under way.

Financial commitments have been made from individuals, families and companies. In addition to a $10 million matching grant from the Walton Family Foundation, pacesetting donors Nickelodeon, The Hershey Co., General Mills and Wal-Mart Stores Inc./Sam’s Club have also driven support for the museum.

A major gift was also given by the Lee and Linda Scott Family, which now has presenting rights on the project. Lee Scott was CEO of Walmart from 2000 to 2009.

Additional sponsors are still being sought for the project.