Death & Legacy

Two months after his death, Calder was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom which is the highest civilian honor one could receive in the United States.  The award was to be presented by President Gerald Ford on January, 10 1977; but the ceremony was boycotted by the family of Calder.  They claimed they were doing so to "make a statement favoring amnesty for Vietnam War draftees."


Since then a foundation has been set up in Calder's name.  The foundation runs its own programs, collaborates on exhibitions and publications, and gives advice on matters such as the history, assembly, and restoration of works by Calder.  The Foundation has large holdings from Calder family members and other foundation supporters and founders.


There was once plans for a Alexander Calder memorial museum to be built in Philadelphia in his honor, but plans for it have been put on hold for the time being.  Museums all over the world hold Calder exihibits and some have whole rooms dedicated to his works such as in the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.


Below is the "Calder Room" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.: