You Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Beloved Artwork

James Hampton's The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly is one of Smithsonian American Art Museum’s most beloved artworks. But did you know that only about a third of the more than 180 foil-wrapped components that make up this monumental sculpture are currently on view?

This giving season, your year-end gift will help us meet our $15,000 goal to support the continued cataloguing, conservation, and study of this American treasure.

Hampton's Throne came fully to light only after the artist's death. Now the splendor and magnitude of his project is evident to all who experience this powerful yet enigmatic artwork. Your gift to SAAM will help with the research and preservation used to bring more of the Throne to light.
 

In this American Art Moments video, watch as Leslie Umberger, SAAM's curator of folk and self-taught art, shares insights into Hampton's life as a self-taught artist of color in Washington, DC, who created his work during the Civil Rights movement. Learn about the lasting importance of his efforts while taking in the captivating details that make The Throne so special.

As a non-profit, we rely on donations from generous supporters like you. Make your donation online before December 31st to be sure your tax-deductible gift counts for 2023. Please contact AmericanArtDevelopment@si.edu or 202-633-8420 if you would like information on making a Donor Advised Fund or IRA gift, a corporate matching gift, or other smart ways to support SAAM before the end of the year. .