The Kimbell Art Museum will host a special advanced screening of the film, The Monuments Men, written and directed by George Clooney and based on the best-selling book of the same title by Robert Edsel with Bret Witter. It will be the first film shown in the new concrete and glass Renzo Piano Pavilion auditorium.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world's artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners. With the art hidden behind enemy lines, how could these guys hope to succeed?  But as the Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1,000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements.

The Kimbell has an important connection to this story: several works of art stolen by the Nazis and later recovered by the Monuments Men are now a part of its permanent collection.

Tickets are available to Museum members for screenings at 1 p.m. for $50 and at 5 p.m. for $150. Call 817-288-3224 to purchase tickets. Robert Edsel will make comments during the 5 pm screening and a light cocktail reception will follow. Proceeds from the screening benefit the Monuments Men Foundation.