Museum of Texas Tech University Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Wing

The expansion of the Museum of Texas Tech University was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc.

The Museum of Texas Tech University has officially opened the Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Wing, which encompasses nearly 18,000 square feet across two levels and a basement with collection storage, classrooms, offices and a new gallery space.

Museum of Texas Tech University - Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Wing

The new wing, located on the east side of the museum, was made possible through a donation from the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc. to honor Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold, both of whom dedicated their lives to serving their community and were leaders in the Helen Jones Foundation.

The inaugural exhibition, Field of Vision, features over 130 selections that highlight the couple's 50-year collecting endeavor, spanning from 1960-2010, with works by artists from across the nation in painting, glass, ceramics, fiber and woven baskets. This exhibition is part of a collection of 559 contemporary works of art from almost 400 different artists donated to the Museum of Texas Tech University Association by the Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Estate in 2017.

The ribbon cutting for the new wing was held today (June 30) and attended by Texas Tech University System Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell, Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech Foundation board members, members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and board members of the Helen Jones Foundation, as well as friends and members of the Arnold Family.

Aaron Pan, Ph.D., executive director for the museum, is excited for the opportunity to showcase not only the elegant space and one-of-a-kind art collection in the new wing, but also the impact philanthropy can have at the museum.

“This beautiful new wing expands the museum by nearly 18,000 square feet and encapsulates our purpose to educate, inspire and preserve,” Pan said. “These new areas include a gallery of art exhibitions to share with the community, a collections area which stores the distinguished Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Art Collection, and a cohesive area that holds the Texas Tech University Heritage and Museum Sciences Master's Program – which is cultivating the next generation of museum professionals. We are very grateful to the Helen Jones Foundation for their support and this remarkable expansion.”

The Helen Jones Foundation, Inc. has been a longtime supporter of both the Texas Tech University System and arts in the Lubbock community. Since 1985, the foundation and Mrs. Helen DeVitt Jones have had a transformational impact across the System by funding educational programs, scholarships, historical preservation, initiatives in the arts and more.

The Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Wing will be open to the public starting July 1.