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The American Friends Musée d’Orsay (AFMO) is an American organization that was created in 2009. It is a non-profit, public charity that aims to develop public awareness and raise funds for the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France. Visited by nearly one million Americans each year, the Musée d’Orsay has made significant educational and cultural contributions to American museums and the American public. In recognition of these contributions, the American Friends Musée d’Orsay was founded to further develop the collaborative relationship between Americans and the Musée d’Orsay. AFMO was incorporated in 2009 by Founding Director Seonaid McArthur, and the first Board of Directors Sherry Johnson, Jane Roberts, Mary Emory, and Steve Schliesman. The official announcement of the organization’s debut took place April 7, 2011 at the Residence of the United States Ambassador to France.
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Support
AFMO supports various programs within the Musée d’Orsay to promote cultural enrichment and to enhance Americans’ experiences with the museum:
Membership
The organization officially opened its membership in June 2011. Memberships are yearly, and offer a range of benefits that vary with membership level.
Corporate sponsors
Corporate sponsors include American Express and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In 2010, American Express gave a US$100,000 grant in support of the Musée d’Orsay's new graphic arts gallery, which is due to open in July 2011. Additionally, Bank of America gave US$130,000 to help fund the 2011 Manet exhibition, Manet: the Man who Invented Modernity.