Remembering Rebecca Benaroya: A Life of Generosity and Vision

Dear Friends of the Museum of Northwest Art,

It is with deep gratitude and reflection that we honor the life of Rebecca Benaroya (1923–2026), whose generosity and vision left an enduring mark on the Museum of Northwest Art and the cultural life of the Pacific Northwest.

Rebecca believed deeply in the power of art to bring people together. Alongside her late husband, Jack Benaroya, she devoted decades to supporting artists and institutions that celebrate the creativity and spirit of our region. Her philanthropy was never simply about giving—it was about sustaining a vibrant cultural community and ensuring that future generations could experience the inspiration that art provides. 

The Benaroya family’s support strengthened the museum’s ability to champion Northwest artists and share their work with audiences across the region. When MoNA moved to its current location on First Street and reopened to the public in October 1995, Jack and Rebecca established the Benaroya Glass Gallery, a dedicated space for fostering a deeper appreciation of glass art. Over the past three decades, the gallery has featured the work and vision of both emerging artists and masters of the medium.

Rebecca understood that a museum is more than a building or a collection; it is a gathering place for ideas, imagination, and connection. Through her generosity, countless visitors, students, and artists have engaged with the remarkable artistic heritage of the Northwest. In the past five years, her support of the museum’s Art Auction has contributed significantly to its success.

Rebecca Benaroya embraces artist and longtime friend, William Morris, at the opening of William Morris: Early Rituals on June 22, 2024.

In 2024, MoNA presented William Morris: Early Rituals, an exhibition featuring a selection of works created by the artist during the mid-1980s to early 1990s—a period when the Benaroya glass collection was rapidly growing to become one of the most significant in the Northwest. Rebecca attended the opening and reunited with artist and longtime friend, William Morris, after nearly two decades. The accompanying photograph captures this meaningful moment.

Those who knew Rebecca will remember her poised and elegant presence, her warm smile, and her quiet but unwavering commitment to making the arts accessible to all. Her legacy lives on not only through the works she helped preserve and share, but also through the community of artists, supporters, MoNA members, and visitors who continue to believe in the value of art in everyday life.

The museum will honor Rebecca Benaroya with the Philanthropy Award at the Annual Member Meeting on March 24. We invite you to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and honoring the legacy she leaves behind. Her belief in this institution continues to inspire our mission, and we are profoundly grateful for the path she helped shape.

With appreciation,
Museum of Northwest Art