The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is embarking on a major expansion, aiming to revitalize its Midtown campus with a modern, welcoming space. To achieve this vision, the museum has launched an international design competition seeking an accomplished architect-led team.”
Juliรกn Zugazagoitia, director and CEO of the museum, said the goal of the expansion is to attract new audiences and design a center that speaks to the community.
โSo we have goals to be the museum for all, and in that we have a lot of different ways to articulate it,โ Zugazagoitia said. โFor instance, how can each one (visitor) see yourself inside the museum?โ
Zugazagoitia said, since the museum serves a broad region, the new structure needs to translate into architecture the evolving and increasing needs of the community.
In that way, he said, โthe museum becomes a place where you belong.โ
The project would be the museumโs third major evolution. Zugazugoitia said it is partially a response to growing and increasingly diverse attendance, and the need to serve future generations.
โThis expansion solidifies the Nelson-Atkinsโ foundational desire to reach all audiences, particularly those for whom art is not familiar,โ Zugazagoitia said in the statement. โIt will enable the museum to better serve our community, and I envision a vibrant space for visitors to become energized by art and immersed in new and creative experiences.โ
The new addition would create about 61,000 square feet of extra gallery, programming, and visitor spaces, and would affect indoor and outdoor spaces.
Another aim of the project is to integrate the museumโs campus โ the two existing buildings and the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park โ into a cohesive new experience.
Museum officials estimate a construction budget of $160 million to $170 million, to be funded entirely by private donations.
The expansionโs design will be decided upon through a global competition that was announced recently. Zugazagoitia said it will be an open process, and every submission will be reviewed by a selection committee of museum leaders and trustees. There will also be opportunities for the public to participate in the process, he said.
Architect search specialists Malcolm Reading Consultants will organize the competition, which is open to local, regional, national and international firms.
The deadline for the first stage of the design competition is Oct. 29, 2024. Up to five finalist teams will receive a $75,000 competition fee for concept designs. A public exhibition of finalist design concepts will be held in spring 2025. The winner will be announced that same spring.
Museum leaders gave no indication of when they hope construction will be complete.
Source: startlandnews.com
