At the heart of the Ratner Museum is the work and legacy of Phillip Ratner, a Washington, D.C.-born, internationally recognized artist whose work spans sculpture, drawing, tapestry, and graphic arts. His practice was rooted in narrative, bringing to life themes of the Hebrew Bible, immigration, and the human experience with depth and emotion.
A graduate of the Pratt Institute and American University, Phillip began his career as an educator, including teaching at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C., before dedicating himself fully to his artistic practice. Over decades, his work has been exhibited and collected by major institutions including the Smithsonian Institution, the United States Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress.
Perhaps most widely recognized are his works connected to Ellis Island and his bronze sculptures at the Statue of Liberty, where his deeply personal connection to the immigrant experience, shared by his own family, became a defining thread in his work.
The museum was founded in collaboration with his cousin, Dennis Ratner, an entrepreneur and inspiring leader. Throughout a 60-year career, he has been widely recognized as a dynamic entrepreneur and inspiring leader, known for building one of the largest family-owned businesses in the United States. Equally defining is his longstanding dedication to philanthropy, with a focus on supporting cultural institutions, education, and community-based initiatives, reflecting a deep and enduring commitment to giving back.
As third-generation Washingtonians, Phillip and Dennis came from a family deeply rooted in music and the arts in Washington, with family among the founding members of the National Symphony Orchestra.
Together, they first established the Israel Bible Museum in Safed in the 1980s, followed by the Ratner Museum in Bethesda, conceived as a permanent home for Phillip's life's work and a gift to the Washington community.
Phillip passed away in 2023. Today, the Ratner Museum continues to honor his vision and artistic legacy while evolving as a space for community, education, and creative expression.
The Ratner Museum is entering an exciting new chapter. While our doors are temporarily closed to the public, our interest in connection, collaboration, and community is very much alive. We'd love to hear from you, whether you're interested in participating, exploring use of the space, or partnering with us in some way.
