The Japanese American National Museum just received its largest single donation ever: a $20 million dollar gift from MacKenzie Scott
The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) of Los Angeles just received its largest single donation ever: a $20 million dollar gift from MacKenzie Scott. This is the second donation from the billionaire philanthropist. In 2021, she donated $10 million. Both donations are unrestricted, meaning the museum can determine the best use of the funds.
“We are extraordinarily grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her historic vision and generosity. This remarkable gift comes as JANM is poised for a new and exciting future. We enter the new year with a reinvigorated commitment to our mission, stronger-than-ever support from the community, and great anticipation for a transformed Museum experience when we reopen in 2026. Her first gift of $10 million made it possible for JANM to expand our programming as well as to serve our community and reach new people throughout our current renovation. A validation of the importance of our mission and the impact of our programming, this new gift brings a unique opportunity for JANM to invest in its future, to attain a new level of financial stability, and to lean into its legacy as a keeper of history and a beacon of democracy and social justice,” Ann Burroughs, JANM President and CEO, said in a press release.
“JANM was founded to ensure that the stories and legacy of our immigrant grandparents and parents would be preserved and shared, with the hope to prevent what happened to the Japanese American community during World War II from happening to any other group,” William T Fujioka, JANM Board Chair, said. “This amazing gift will keep that vision alive and strengthen our voice and actions as a champion for social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion for many years to come.”
JANM’s Pavilion has been closed for renovation since January 2025 but plans to reopen in late 2026.
