copper-clad wing expands ohio's columbus museum of art

copper-clad wing expands ohio’s columbus museum of art
photography by brad feinknopf / courtesy of columbus museum of art (CMA)

a new copper-clad wing at ohio’s columbus museum of art (CMA) is set to open its doors to the public. built under the leadership of designgroup principal michael bongiorno, the expansion provides the institution with an additional 50,000 square feet, forming the third and final phase of a masterplan originally laid out by tod williams billie tsien architects.

the expansion provides the institution with an additional 50,000 square feet

the building is clad with pre-patinated copper, sitting above a first floor gallery defined by limestone and glass exteriors. the two-storey wing contains a new main entrance, a restaurant and a retail outlet, alongside a relocated sculpture garden at the rear of the plot.

‘the building’s design,’ explain the architects. ‘is a reflection of the museum’s ambition to be more visible, relevant, and connected to the community as a meeting point between art, the public and the physical city.’

the building’s upper storey is clad with pre-patinated copper

a long gallery space on the east side of the site is separated from the existing structure with a light filled entry concourse that serves as the project’s central organizing element. two cinematic façades encourage a dialogue between the project’s interiors and the surrounding neighborhood, with glazed openings offering abundant external views.

a light filled entry concourse serves as the project’s central organizing element

the entry forecourt forms a gently sloping covered walkway defined by the new sculpture garden to the west and accessible green space to the east. the retail store and café are strategically located in relation to the outdoor spaces in order to provide the maximum amount of ground floor activation. a new events space sits on the second floor overlooking the sculpture garden, which is accessed by stair via an outdoor terrace.

the upper level of the two storey extension

the new wing opens on october 25, 2015 with two inaugural shows: ‘keeping pace’ — an exhibition that focuses on the impact that pace gallery had on the columbus arts community, and ‘imperfections by chance’ — a retrospective display of paul feeley’s work.

two cinematic façades encourage a dialogue between the project’s interiors and their surroundings

the expansion provides room for additional exhibition space

the repositioned sculpture park is found at the rear of the plot

the expansion forms the third phase of a three part masterplan

the new wing opens to the public on october 25, 2015