Read It and Weep: Judge Okun Allows Corcoran/National Gallery/George Washington U. Merger THREE UPDATES

My analysis of the decision is here.

You can read these along with me:

Here’s DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s decision to allow the proposed merger of the Corcoran Gallery, National Gallery and George Washington University.

Here’s the judge’s related order.

The three parties to the merger have now issued this exultant press release.

More on all this later.

UPDATE: The Washington Post‘s Philip Kennicott, previously a strong critic of the merger, tries to see the bright side.

UPDATE 2: The lawyers for the opponents to the merger say they will not appeal Judge Okun’s decision. Here’s their statement:

While this is not our vision for the Corcoran, we received a full and fair trial and are grateful that we were given the opportunity to defend the legacy of one of the oldest and most beloved museums in the nation.  We wish GWU and the National Gallery all the best as the new stewards of Mr. Corcoran’s gifts.

UPDATE 3: Here’s the DC Attorney General’s statement:

District of Columbia Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan commended D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert D. Okun for his opinion issued today that allows the trustees of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art + Design to implement agreements reached with the National Gallery of Art and The George Washington University concerning the institution’s assets and operations.

“We appreciate Judge Okun’s thoughtful, thorough, and very timely decision, which allows the Corcoran College of Art + Design to begin the new school year with a secure future,” Nathan said. “We hope all the parties will accept his decision as the final resolution of a difficult case and will work together towards our shared goal of strengthening and preserving the College, the Gallery, and the iconic building that houses them, and keeping these important pieces of art in the District of Columbia to the maximum extent possible.”

You already know what I think