Architecture firm Snøhetta has been selected to extend the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, which comprises a pink marble 1930s building and a pavilion by Norman Foster.
The expansion of the Joslyn Art Museum ? the Midwestern US state's largest art museum ? is intended to accommodate a growing artwork collection of over 12,000 works, public programmes, and visitor numbers that have increased since the museum introduced general free admission.
"The museum is one of Nebraska's greatest assets, and this project will allow it to be and do more... show more art, welcome more people, elevate the museum visitor experience, offer many more teaching moments," said Joslyn Art Museum executive director Jack Becke in a statement.
Snøhetta to pay "utmost care and respect" towards existing buildings Snøhetta's design will mark the second addition to the Joslyn Art Museum's art-deco-style building, which opened in 1931 as a gift to Omaha from local philanthropist Sarah Joslyn, in memory of her late husband George.
The building ? originally called the Art Deco Joslyn Memorial ? was designed by architect father-and-son team John and Alan McDonald and remains an important example of the decorative 1930s style. Key features include its Georgia Pink marble construction, and 38 different marble types inside.
As collections and attendance grew, British architect Norman Foster was enlisted to build an additional wing ? becoming his first project in the US. It was co...