ABOUT LYNN S. WYATT
Beloved native Houstonian, Lynn Sakowitz Wyatt, a third generation Texan, has played a pivotal role in putting Houston on the global cultural map. Internationally, she has been involved with the Princess Grace Foundation, and the American Hospital of Paris, among many other institutions and causes. In 1982, Prince Rainier of Monaco appointed her a Founding Trustee of the Princess Grace Foundation, and that same year, the French government admitted her to the Order of Arts and Letters, to the rank of Chevalier and later Officer.
PHOTO BY DUSTIN MANSYUR |
Wyatt has made equally groundbreaking contributions to dozens of local institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet and Star of Hope Mission to name a few. She was twice named among “Houston’s Most Fascinating” by the Texas Medical Center Library, and was recognized as Texas Monthly’s “Socialite of the Century” and Ambassador of Goodwill for the state of Texas by Governor William P. Clements. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Board of the U.S. Naval Academy, where she served for six years.
Her charisma, style and charm are as legendary as her generosity. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, Wyatt was included in the esteemed International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List in 1973, 1975, 1976, and 1977. True to her philanthropic passion, Wyatt sold a personal collection of haute couture gowns and artwork by friends like Valentino Garavani, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Andy Warhol to raise money for the cherished Rothko Chapel where she is regarded as the “official cultural ambassador.” Of course, that reference could be extended to “cultural ambassador” for the entire city of Houston.
Despite her who’s-who list of celebrity and royal friends that includes the late Princess Grace, Princess Margaret, Estee Lauder, Bill Blass, Emanuel Ungaro, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Liza Minelli, Lady Gaga, Sarah Duchess of York, Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, and Jean Paul Gaultier, Wyatt is known for her warmth and ability to make everyone feel at home, no matter where on the planet she happens to be.
There is no place like home for Wyatt, and she remains devoted to supporting her hometown. Upon learning of the city’s plan to name a park in her honor, Lynn Wyatt graciously donated $10 million towards the redevelopment of the Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts. The space will be a cornerstone for downtown’s Theater District, connecting people to the arts.
“I love the arts, I love Houston, and I absolutely love this beautiful Square. I am so honored and grateful to have my name on such an important piece of Houston. I look forward to what this green space will do for our world-class performing arts community and the people of this dynamic city long after I’m gone,” Lynn Wyatt has said.
A passionate cultural philanthropist, who considers art to be the soul of a city, Wyatt has made it her life’s mission to support the arts and Houston in whatever way she can. And when it comes to her legacy, Wyatt hopes people will simply say, “She lived a lot, laughed a lot, and loved a lot.” Houstonians might also add, “She’s an international treasure who made a lasting difference in the city she so loves.”
Wyatt has been married to legendary oilman Oscar Wyatt for 60 years, and the couple shares four sons and two grandchildren.
