London art connoisseurs are balking at fundraising plan that will display an American patron's name on the Royal Opera House's renovated theater in exchange for a $16 million donation, the Associated Press reports.

Part of the problem, AP reports is the plan was launched by another American: Michael Kaiser, the Royal Opera House's new chief executive officer. Kaiser's plan calls for naming Floral Hall and its public foyer after the donor, whose name was not identified in the report.

Classical music promoter Raymond Gubby called the plan a "tacky American idea," adding that "it's not very nice to see a state-run company doing this," the Independent newspaper of London reported.

If the plan is carried out, it will mark the first time an individual's name has been attached to a government-subsidized arts building.

The $340 million renovation of the building is expected to be complete in December. The Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet companies share the Royal Opera House.

The naming issue is only the latest in a series of controversies the institution has experienced. Financial problems, staff resignations and run-ins with the government have plagued the London arts venue, AP reports.

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