Brooks + Scarpa Architects & KMF Architects have unveiled their preliminary plans and a stunning architectural model for the 40,000 square-foot expansion for the Mennello Museum of American Art. The $20 million expansion aims to increase the number and quality of programs, opportunities, and amenities to better serve the museum's growing audiences.
"The Mennello Museum's design is both futuristic and timeless," commented Lawrence Scarpa, principal at Brooks+Scarpa. "The design mirrors the objective of the artwork inside: It tells a story and furthers the Museum's mission to be a place of education, culture, and inspiration. More than just a building, it is a civic place for social interaction, bringing people closer to art, each other and to nature, providing an opportunity for new, immersive, art experiences. The building is organized as a series of highly engaging spaces where the Museum's mission of using art to connect people to the world around them can unfold.
The expansion will create a cultural destination on beautiful Lake Formosa designed to preserve and reimagine the green space, the intimacy of the Dr. Phillips Home, walking and bike paths, and sculpture garden.
"Our plan is inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable," stated Shannon Fitzgerald, Executive Director. "With the open expansion, we will serve more in our community with a mission-driven building designed to seamlessly merge art, education, nature, dwell, respite, function, and form. We started with visionary ideas on how to make the museum more cohesive and increase public access and with Brooks + Scapa and KMF Architects' brilliant partnership, the visionary has been put into action-a very exciting moment for us all!"
Images: Courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa