Despite the region's economic struggles, the St. Louis Art Museum has raised $147 million to complete its ambitious expansion project. Museum officials call their capital campaign the most successful in the history of St. Louis' cultural institutions.

The money will pay for the expansion, projected to cost $130.5 million, as well as cover some of the ongoing costs of maintaining and supporting the new building. No tax dollars were used to build the expansion.

Construction on the museum's new East Building started two years ago; it will open to the public next year. Designed by world-renowned architect David Chipperfield, the expansion features a 30 percent increase in exhibition space, an underground parking garage, a new restaurant and other facilities. Meanwhile, the museum has reinstalled 18 galleries in the original Cass Gilbert-designed building.

About $135 million was raised among the museum's commissioners, trustees and supporters during the campaign's early "leadership" phase. Emily Rauh Pulitzer, Alvin J. and Ruth Siteman, Jack C. Taylor, John D. and Anabeth Weil, Gary C. Werths and one anonymous donor each gave gifts of $10 million or more. The museum also received money from local corporations and foundations such as Emerson, the Danforth Foundation and Edward Jones. An additional $12 million was raised in the campaign's public phase.