SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - More than 140 original Polaroid photographs and gelatin silver prints by artist Andy Warhol have been transferred to the permanent collection at Cal State San Bernardino’s Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts launched an unprecedented program in 2007 honoring the foundation’s 20th anniversary. The Andy Warhol Photographic Legacy Program donated more than 28,500 photographs, valued in excess of $28 million, to more than 180 college and university museums across the nation. Only 16 institutions in California were selected.

Warhol, born Andrew Warhola in 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pa., is considered one of the major artists of the 20th century. He is best known for his iconic, pop culture art that included works such as the “Campbell’s Soup Cans” and “Marilyns.” He is also known for the quote: “Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” He died Feb. 22, 1987.

The purpose of the program is to provide greater access to Warhol’s work and expose more communities to the fundamental medium of photography. Through this gift the foundation also hopes to peak an interest and learning about the vital role photography played in Warhol’s artistic production.

An exhibition to display the recent gift is scheduled to open Sept. 25, with a reception planned on Oct. 4 from 3-5 p.m. at the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum.

Admission for exhibits at the Fullerton Art Museum is free. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Parking is $4 per vehicle. Phone: (909) 537-7373.

Andy Warhol
Buildings, black and white, undated.

Andy Warhol
Gene Hackman, black and white, undated.