Marica Vilcek’s Memoir Chronicles Her Journey from Czechoslovakia to The Met and Beyond
Marica Vilcek’s memoir, “Giving and Receiving: Memoirs of an Immigrant Curator and Philanthropist,” is a compelling account of her remarkable life story. From her early years in war-torn Czechoslovakia to her escape with her husband Jan Vilcek to the United States, Marica’s journey is one of resilience and determination.
Born in a country plagued by government corruption and familial blacklisting, Marica’s dreams of a career in art history seemed unattainable. However, in 1964, she and Jan made the bold decision to defect to the United States, where they arrived in New York City the following year. While Jan pursued a research position at the New York University School of Medicine, Marica found her calling in the art world, volunteering at the Brooklyn Museum before landing a position at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
During her 30-year tenure at The Met, Marica’s dedication and expertise led her to become the Associate Curator in Charge of the Accessions and Catalogue Department. Her meticulous work ethic and commitment to showcasing the museum’s collection solidified the importance of curatorial work in the art world.
Marica and Jan’s commitment to supporting immigrants and fostering community connections led them to establish the Vilcek Foundation in 2000. The foundation has since awarded over $17 million in prizes and grants to individuals and institutions aligned with its mission of highlighting immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences in the United States.
Marica Vilcek continues to be a driving force in the art world, serving as an Honorary Trustee of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NYU Institute of Fine Arts. Co-authored by renowned biographer Justin Spring, “Giving and Receiving” offers a poignant reflection on Marica’s journey and the impact of the Vilcek Foundation.
For those interested in Marica Vilcek’s memoir, “Giving and Receiving,” it is available for purchase on bookshop.org. To learn more about the Vilcek Foundation and its initiatives, visit vilcek.org.
