The Baltimore Museum of Art today unveiled an ambitious new master plan that charts the Museum’s architectural future for the next 20 years.
“The Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the greatest civic spaces in Baltimore,“ said BMA Director Doreen Bolger. “The long-term vision put forth in this master plan will help us enhance the Museum’s visibility as a cultural asset for the region and make it a must-see destination for the community and cultural tourists.”
Designed by renowned neoclassical architect John Russell Pope in 1929, the BMA has grown to encompass several additional galleries for the Museum’s world-class collections, a three-acre sculpture garden, a visitor entrance with an auditorium and restaurant, large special exhibition galleries, and most recently the West Wing for Contemporary Art, which was completed in 1994. The total footprint of the Museum is approximately 200,000 square feet.
The new architectural master plan designed by Baltimore-based Ayers/Saint/Gross Architects + Planners refers back to Pope’s original plan for the BMA by integrating the spaces throughout building, and also builds on the Museum’s mission, vision, and goals. Expansion and renovation opportunities include reopening the grand historic entrance, connecting the galleries with a glass-roof atrium, and reinstalling the collections in new gallery spaces—projects that will create more memorable art experiences for visitors and establish a stronger connection between the BMA and the surrounding community.
The plan also addresses the desire for more visitor amenities, such as dedicated parking, which will be available in a new underground garage at The Johns Hopkins University in 2007. A new North Entrance would create a direct connection to the BMA from the JHU garage, and also provide space for new study centers, classrooms, and an expanded library, providing students and scholars with first-hand opportunities to research the Museum’s remarkable collection.
The BMA Board of Trustees will review project phasing opportunities in the fall. The Museum anticipates having some of these changes in place by the 100th anniversary in 2014.
The Baltimore Museum of Art
www.artbma.org
