michael maltzan designs a new inuit art centre to celebrate canada's indigenous culture

to be completed later in 2020, california-based practice michael maltzan architecture has planned the new inuit art centre (IAC) in winnipeg, manitoba. designed in collaboration with local studio cibinel architects, the project will form an extension to the existing winnipeg art gallery (WAG) on the corner of st. mary’s avenue and memorial boulevard. envisioned to celebrate inuit art and honor canada’s indigenous population, the latest addition will provide an extensive program over 40,000 ft2 (3716 m2), including galleries, classrooms, studios, a theater, and research facilities.

all images courtesy of michael maltzan architecture

in order to fully understand inuit culture and create an appropriate architectural response, michael maltzan visited the province of nunavut to visit inuit communities and artists’ studios. together with winnipeg art gallery director stephen borys, curator of inuit art dr. darlene coward wight, associate architect george cibinel, and architectural photographer iwan baan, this part of the process hugely informed the concept and design of the project. the resulting design draws on the ephemeral qualities of this northern landscape and culture, with the aim to celebrate both the historic and contemporary inuit art and culture.

situated on a prominent corner site in winnipeg’s downtown area, the new IAC will invite visitors into the main south-facing elevation by a glazed curving façade. upon entering the lobby, a double-height ‘inuit vault’ will taken center stage and lead people to explore what will become canada’s largest gallery devoted to indigenous art. this vault also extends to the building’s lower level, where additional vault storage, accessible only to curators and scholars, can be reached via a stairwell.

a new lecture room, café, and reading room will be located on the same level as the lobby. these spaces will provide educational and research functions in close proximity to the visible vault. as part of the project, michael maltzan architecture has also made tweaks to the existing building, including a new gallery shop at ground floor level.

on the third floor level, an large area of 8500 ft2 (789.68 m2) is dedicated to exhibiting inuit art. with its monumental, sculptural walls, this space aims to evoke the incredible landscapes of many inuit towns and inlets. the design also creates a bright and airy interior thanks to rooflights in the ceiling that bring in beautiful diffused natural light, putting the artwork on center stage.

the project will also provide education studios and classrooms on the penthouse level of the existing winnipeg art gallery, providing students access to the large roof terrace. new education spaces include a dedicated education lobby and reception, clay studio, kiln room, and two exterior studios for summer and winter activities, such as stone carving and ice sculpting.