![Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 1 of 7](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/606e/5335/f91c/81dc/6800/0055/newsletter/4.jpg?1617842983)
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 7](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/606e/530e/f91c/81dc/6800/0052/newsletter/1.jpg?1617842951)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/606e/5309/f91c/8143/4500/004b/newsletter/2.jpg?1617842946)
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](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/606e/53d6/f91c/81dc/6800/0060/newsletter/7.jpg?1617843143)
![Safdie Architects to Design Major Crystal Bridges Expansion - Image 6 of 7](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/606e/5335/f91c/8143/4500/004e/newsletter/3.jpg?1617842981)
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