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Longtime Director To Retire From Baltimore Museum Of Art

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The longtime director of the Baltimore Museum of Art plans to retire after 17 years leading the institution.

The museum said Wednesday that Doreen Bolger will retire June 30. Bolger is credited with redefining the museum's mission to focus on modern art. She placed a greater emphasis on the museum's collection and initiated major traveling exhibits on Matisse, Cezanne and other artists.

During Bolger's tenure, the BMA opened access by eliminating general admission fees to provide free access. Bolger also oversaw a $28 million renovation, now in its final phase, and a $75 million fundraising campaign. The BMA has grown its collection with notable acquisitions of works by Matisse, additions in contemporary art and works by African-American artists.

The museum will open a national search for a new director.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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