Shell Game?

The Guggenheim’s financial fortunes are reeling. It “ran a $6.7 million operating deficit last year on a $57.71 million budget. Its endowment should reach about $42 million by the end of the year, still far short of the $100 million level,” and many of director Thomas Krens’ initiatives are on the rocks. “Perhaps the only good thing to emerge from the Guggenheim’s financial woes is its shift in exhibitions from superficial eye-poppers such as motorcycles and haute couture toward an increased reliance on treasures from its permanent collection.” And yet, is the empire crumbling?