Project Details
- Project Name
- Spencer Museum of Art
- Architect
- Sabatini Architects
- Client/Owner
- The University of Kansas
- Project Scope
- Renovation/Remodel
- Size
- 35,055 sq. feet
- Awards
- 2018 Chicago Athenaeum
- Shared by
- Sabatini Architects
- Team
-
Sabatini Architects, Architect
Pei Cobb Freed and Partners, Architect
One Lux Studio, Lighting Design
Smith and Boucher Engineers, MEP Engineer
Bob Coffeen, Acoustics
Walter P. Moore, Structural Engineer
- Project Status
- Built
Project Description
The Spencer Museum of Art renovation design focuses on improving the most public aspects of the neoclassical limestone building. A sequence of interventions along the central axis open up the museum, bringing in an abundance of natural light and providing unobstructed views into historic Marvin Grove. This intentional connection to the landscape allows visitors to view art and nature together.
A new two-story glass curtainwall encloses the main entry portico. Glass doors replace heavy solid brass doors, providing transparency into the entry lobby. Back-lit glass vitrines create flexibility to change museum exhibition images. New windows on the east and west bring natural light into the galleries and draw visitors into the building.
A new staircase and elevator improve circulation, while balcony overlooks offer glimpses from one gallery into another. An expanded study center and teaching gallery accommodate temporary installations and up-close investigations of objects in the collection.
