Founded in 1973 on the campus of The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, the National Music Museum & Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments is one of the great institutions of its kind in the world. Its collections, which include more than 15,000 American, European, and non-Western instruments from virtually all cultures and historical periods, are the most inclusive anywhere. The addition, designed by Schwartz/Silver Architects in association with Koch Hazard Architects, will span between the original Museum building to the east and the South Dakota Union to the west.
As the addition connects both existing buildings, it re-positions the main entrance to be at the center of the new composition. While the architecture of the addition is striking in form, it incorporates the color and texture of the limestone original building in the materials of the new façade and plaza surface. The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2013, with the auditorium to follow as a second phase. More images after the break.