snøhetta moves ahead with joslyn art museum extension and site rejuvenation in nebraska

snøhetta has unveiled the design for the new expansion and site rejuvenation at the joslyn art museum in nebraska, the US, created in collaboration with alley poyner macchietto architecture (APMA). the 3901 sqm (42000 sqft) pavilion incorporates new light-filled gallery areas, designed to explore the possibilities of a growing permanent collection, including works from the nationally renowned phillip g. schrager. in addition to these exhibition spaces, the project will also add an arrangement of spacious public gardens, and will restore and modernize the existing office spaces in the joslyn memorial building.

all images courtesy of moare

snøhetta and APMA’s extension for the joslyn art museum generates a new series of interlaced indoor and outdoor art experiences, as well as a fully reimagined public arrival sequence. the new pavilion is added to the current glass atrium as a low, curving volume that gradually twists from glass-to-solid, transforming the existing horizontal skylights into solid, vertical walls that support the new gallery areas on the second floor. whilst the pre-existing monolithic structures are attached securely to the ground, the new building appears weightless, floating on top of two granite garden walls, as a transparent first floor encloses a new atrium lobby, museum store, and a multi-function community space. these spaces slowly rise to the level of the existing buildings through a gently sloping, accessible walkway.

the horizontal texture of the new façade draws reference from the stacked stone steps of the pre-existing memorial building’s monumental grand staircase. the light-colored precast panels feature vibrant pops of pink aggregate that reflect the rich, rose-colored marble of the original volumes. meanwhile, the primary access to the museum has been relocated to the northern edge of the site, leading to a new entry that sits on axis with a new, raised sculpture garden and museum entrance.

at the southeast corner of the site, the visual barrier of the retaining wall has been lowered to reveal the memorial building and its impressive staircase. this intervention is further accentuated by a generous lawn area with native grasses and vibrant meadow plantings. the existing discovery garden is reconnected to the museum by a new landscape for pedestrians with paths that reveal sculptures and colorful vegetation along the way.

the expansion builds upon joslyn’s rich history as an iconic landmark and cultural hub, forming a dynamic, inclusive environment that is open to all. ‘joslyn art museum is one of nebraska’s greatest assets, and snøhetta’s energized, inspired work on our twenty-first-century expansion has set the stage for the next phase of the museum’s life while honoring its storied past,’ shares jack becker, PhD, joslyn art museum executive director and CEO. ‘snøhetta’s visionary design celebrates what joslyn means to us, to our city, and to nebraska’ adds becker.

snøhetta has already broken ground on the expansion, while the construction will be completed in separate phases. for the safety of visitors, staff, and the artworks, the museum will undergo a necessary period of closure beginning may 2022 and is expected to reopen in mid-2024. although temporarily closed to visitors, joslyn staff continues its curatorial and research work, exploring new possibilities for engagement with the community leading up to the reopening.