Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Apppointed by the Joslyn Art Museum’s Board of Directors, Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture are about to complete a 50,000-square-foot expansion to the museum’s facilities, aiming to improve visitor experience, accessibility, and community engagement.
The expansion emphasizes seamless integration with the existing architecture while maintaining a distinct identity seeking a balance between the grandeur of the Art Deco main building and Norman Foster’s contemporary addition in the mid 1990s.
The new addition, named Rhonda and Howard Hawks Pavilion, prioritizes natural light, open spaces, and connections to the surrounding gardens and environment, offering a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Snøhetta has incorporated sustainable design principles into the project, such as energy-efficient systems and the use of locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials.
The new spaces will include expanded galleries, educational spaces, and improved visitor amenities. These enhancements aim to support the museum’s mission of inspiring and engaging diverse audiences through art.
The Joslyn Art Museum’s expansion by Snøhetta is designed not just as a physical addition but as a reimagining of the museum’s role in the community.
The new pavilion will provide spaces for cultural programming, exhibitions, and events, strengthening the museum’s role as a cultural and social hub in Omaha.
The Joslyn Art Museum expansion by Snøhetta represents a forward-looking vision for the future of museums, blending historic preservation with modern design and functionality.
By enhancing its facilities and creating more engaging spaces, the museum aims to better serve its visitors while solidifying its status as a premier cultural institution in the Midwest.
This project underscores the transformative power of architecture in fostering deeper connections between people and art.
Project: Joslyn Art Museum Expansion
Architects: Snøhetta SA and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
Snøhetta Design Team: Craig Dykers, Michelle Delk, Aaron Dorf, and Kate Larsen
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture Design Team: Michael Alley and Albert Macchietto
Project Manager: Anser Advisory
Structural Engineers: MKA
Civil Engineer: Olsson
General Contractor : Kiewit Building Group
Photographers: Nic Lehoux