At a New York press conference yesterday morning, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), publicly acknowledged the lead donation of C$30 million towards its expansion from Jamaican businessman and philanthropist Michael Lee Chin.

Lee Chin's 2003 donation facilitated the scheduled opening on June 2, of a dramatic new wing of the museum that will showcase seven collection galleries on four floors, two special exhibition spaces, new retail and dining facilities as well as the museum's new main entrance.

Named in his honour

The new facility will be named the Michael Lee Chin Crystal in honour of its lead donor. The Lee Chin Crystal was designed by international celebrity architect Daniel Libeskind and thoughtfully incorporates futuristic glass and aluminium designs alongside some of the previously existing structures, one of which is nearly a hundred years old.

"It was a distinct honour to have had the opportunity to take on this amazing transformation of a Toronto landmark", Libeskind commented at the New York Art Directors Club. "The Lee Chin Crystal is intended to transform the ROM into an inspired atmosphere that will promote the resurgence of the museum as the dynamic centre of multicultural Toronto."

The June 2 architectural opening and building dedication will take place on Bloor Street Plaza, a newly-designed public space in front of the Lee-Chin Crystal. The celebration will include a 75-minute live concert beginning at sundown and culminating in the illumination of the building's striking facade. After the formalities, the doors of the Michael Lee Chin Crystal will open to the public for the first time with free admission provided until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday June 3.

For his part, Mr. Lee Chin said he was thrilled to be able to facilitate the expansion of this vital Canadian landmark, the largest of its kind in Canada. He also remarked that he was particularly moved to be able to have one room at the facility named in the honour of his 74-year-old mother, Hyacinth Gloria Chen.