Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has announced plans for a major expansion by Safdie Architects in Arkansas. The new addition will increase the size of the current facilities by 50 percent, adding nearly 100,000 square feet to the 200,000-square-foot facility. The expansion will showcase the museum's growing collection and provide space for educational and outreach initiatives, cultural programming, and community events.

Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 2 of 7Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 3 of 7Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 4 of 7Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 5 of 7Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - More Images+ 2

Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 2 of 7
Courtesy of Safdie Architects

Ten years after completing the original design for the museum, Safdie Architects has returned to create new structures housing additional galleries, educational facilities, event spaces, a café, and new indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. “It has been a joy to see Crystal Bridges’ enthusiastic reception by the public. We are honored to be back and working with the museum to realize a series of new facilities which will enrich the diversity of the museum experience,” said Moshe Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects.

Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 3 of 7
Courtesy of Safdie Architects

The expansion adds to the collection of pavilions in the sloping landscape, and it will feature a continued use of regional materials such as concrete, timber, and fieldstone sourced from Northwest Arkansas. New interior/exterior connections throughout the project create links between the galleries and program spaces and the surrounding park and trails. A central highlight will be a circular event plaza that aims to increase opportunities for outdoor community programming and performances.

Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 7 of 7
Courtesy of Safdie Architects
Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 6 of 7
Courtesy of Safdie Architects

The project is currently in the design development phase with construction commencing in early 2022 with the goal of completing construction in 2024. As a precursor to the expansion, a reconfigured main lobby and courtyard, also designed by Safdie Architects, will be completed in May 2021.

Project Credits

  • Design Architect: Safdie Architects
  • Associate Architect: Hight Jackson
  • Structural, Façade, and MEP Engineers: Buro Happold
  • Civil Engineers: CEI Engineers
  • Landscape Architects: Coen+Partners
  • Lighting: LAM 
  • Contractor: Flintco

News via Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Eric Baldwin. "Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion" 08 Apr 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/959762/safdie-architects-to-design-major-crystal-bridges-expansion> ISSN 0719-8884

Courtesy of Safdie Architects

萨夫迪继续设计,‘水晶桥美国艺术博物馆’扩建方案公布

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.