Oprah Winfrey is donating $12 million to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, reports The Washington Post.
It’s the single largest donation the museum has received thus far and it’s not even open yet. However, it’s not Oprah’s first donation. She donated $1 million to the museum in 2007. As a thank you and to honor the world-renowned journalist and philanthropist, a 350-seat theater will bear her name.
“I am so proud of African American history and its contributions to our nation as a whole,” said Winfrey who’s been on the museum’s advisory council since 2004. “I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps. By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come.”
Construction began on the site in February 2012. It’s not expected to be completed until 2015.