The Vancouver Art Gallery has announced that it will be halting construction on its new building and parting ways with Herzog & de Meuron, the renowned architects behind the project. The decision comes after the project’s costs escalated significantly, nearly doubling the original budget.
The project, which was first proposed in 2008, had an initial budget of $350 million. However, the latest estimate put the cost at $600 million. Anthony Kiendl, CEO of Vancouver Art Gallery, cited post-pandemic inflation as a major factor in the decision.
“For the past decade, we have had the benefit of collaborating with the esteemed Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron on plans for a new Gallery,” Kiendl said. “However, in view of our reassessment, the Gallery Association’s Board has made the difficult decision to part ways with Herzog & de Meuron.”
Herzog & de Meuron expressed disappointment at the decision, stating that they had remained committed to the project throughout. “We wish the gallery and its supporters all the best in this new endeavour,” the firm said.
The Vancouver Art Gallery will now seek out a new architect to work with. The project’s timeline and design are uncertain, but the gallery hopes to create a building that “embodies a diverse and inclusive artistic vision while ensuring financial sustainability.”
Image courtesy: archpaper.com
