In the early 1950s, Clyfford Still, an originator of Abstract Expressionism and one of the most important twentieth-century American artists, severed ties with museums and galleries and left the art world.

At this time, Still was described by legendary art critic Clement Greenberg as “one of the most original and important painters of our time . . . more original than any other in his generation.”

At the time of his death in 1980, it was revealed that Still had retained 2400 of his artworks, a staggering 94% of everything he made, and that this body of work would be given “to an American city that will . . . maintain permanent quarters exclusively for the collection.”

In 2004, the city of Denver won the competition to be that American city.

Soon, the Clyfford Still Museum will provide public access to this unprecedented art collection and American treasure.