New William H. Gross Stamp Gallery Announced by National Postal Museum

William H. Gross, the founder of PIMCO and a stamp collector, has donated $8 million to the National Postal Museum to create a new 12,000-square-foot gallery that will be named in his honor. The new gallery, which will give the museum public space at the street level, is expected to open in 2012 according to a National Postal Museum press release.

In addition to the financial donation, Gross will loan three extraordinary philatelic objects: A cover from the Pony Express service; a cover featuring the 10-cent George Washington stamp, dated July 2, 1847; and a block of four 1918 “Inverted Jennys.”

The new William H. Gross Gallery will house the three rarities from Gross and other great items from the National Stamp Collection. In addition, there will be space for educational exhibits, temporary exhibitions and public programs.

The expansion will also allow direct access to the museum from Massachusetts Avenue, featuring a Welcome Center for the entire museum in the historic lobby of the Postal Square Building.

The William H. Gross Stamp Gallery expansion project will also require contributions of various sizes and from different sources. We would be pleased to discuss major gifts of $25,000 or more and naming opportunities with you.

Shown above, an architectural concept for the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery.

To support the expansion project, click here.