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Masterworks' new home swings open

Masterworks Creative Director Tom Butterfield raises his glass during the opening of the new Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

Hundreds packed the new home of the Masterworks Foundation, Museum of Bermuda Art, last night at the Botanical Gardens in Paget – amid pomp and ceremony.

It was just 21 years ago Masterworks had no permanent home and 20 paintings to its name.

Now, it boasts a museum full of award-winning paintings thanks to its board of directors and the work of 50 volunteers.

The grand opening was sponsored by Butterfield Bank. Some of the Island's big shots such as actors and Bermuda residents Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, Premier Ewart Brown and Sir John Swan were present.

Masterworks founder Tom Butterfield told the crowd: "Welcome, this really is a home that I never really thought I'd see.

"My family, wife (and many others) are all apart of what I call the 21 club.

"It was 21 years ago that we started this idea at Masterworks... in this room, is a sampling of some of Bermuda's great artistic talents thanks to the efforts and generosity of John Charman.

"The work found here will hold out anywhere in the city, in this room, we can see, learn, and enrich."

Meanwhile Dr. Brown said the completed state-of-the-art museum "shows that what we're doing in Bermuda now is helping our country to become current compared to the rest of the world in the area of art.

"I did say as far as tourism is concerned I appreciate the addition of this museum to what we call the Island's tourism product."

Following his speech, Dr. Brown was invited to cut the ribbon to officially signify the gallery's opening.

The main gallery is quite large, complete with high ceilings and spiral stairs.

It reportedly can accommodate around 70 paintings and there's even an area for local artists.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and on Sundays by appointment.

Admission is $5 and members and children under two is free. For more information contact Masterworks at 236-2950 or log onto www.bermudamasterworks.com.