LENOX, MA - MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council, two state agencies that jointly administer the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) recently approved a $149,000 CFF grant to the Ventfort Hall Association.

Accelerating deterioration of some of the mansion’s key structural elements now require immediate attention. This grant will be used for our highest priority structural restoration: rebuilding and restoring the four chimneys on the east and west sides of the roof ridge.

Located in the Lenox cultural district close to local inns, restaurants, stores, theater and music venues, Ventfort Hall attracts more than 11,000 visitors to the town each year. Since rescuing it from destruction in 1997, the Ventfort Hall Association has maintained and continued to restore this landmark estate, a magnificent example of early 20th century architecture and a museum dedicated to the history of the Gilded Age, a significant period in the history of Lenox.

The CFF provides capital and planning grants to nonprofit organizations, colleges and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities and sciences. The Cultural Facilities Fund is funded annually through the Governor’s Capital Spending Plan.