The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) first opened in 1941 in the oceanfront La Jolla home of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. In the half century that followed, the museum saw three distinct expansions; now, as it turns 75, MCASD anticipates its latest addition, a flexible new multipurpose design by Selldorf Architects that will quadruple the current gallery space. 

Courtesy of Selldorf Architects

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) first opened in 1941 in the oceanfront La Jolla home of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. In the half century that followed, the museum saw three distinct expansions; now, as it turns 75, MCASD anticipates its latest addition, a flexible new multipurpose design by Selldorf Architects that will quadruple the current gallery space. 
Courtesy of Selldorf Architects

There is a spirit that is made up of all different things, from the collection and the location to all the people that make it a very special place, there is work to do and I think the rewards are going to be tremendous said Annabelle Selldorf, founding principal of the New York-based, 65-person firm. Inspired by San Diego's diverse cultural influences, Selldorf hopes to make the original Scripps house, designed by Irving Gill, the centerpiece of the area.

Courtesy of Selldorf Architects

The addition, which is conceived as a series of sma...