As part of the Master Planning process, SA developed a list of short- term projects that the Portland Museum of Art could readily undertake.  One of the needs identified was a space for the curators to examine and study the art stored in the PMA’s permanent collection. We transformed a former art storage room into a multipurpose room to be used for curatorial meetings, on-site conservation, and Collection Committee meetings. Students and scholars can use the room for educational seminars. The intimate space provides for close observation of art, with glass windows allowing visitors to view activities from the PMA Café area.  Built-in cabinets provide much needed storage space for works on paper as well as artists research files.

Another identified need was for a new entry sequence for visitors. We reconfigured the Great Hall by designing a front desk that sets into a new opening in the existing wall. The new desk establishes an unambiguous entry experience for patrons, provides better, more modern work stations for staff, creates greater overall visibility and allows the Great Hall to return to a gallery space. The design respects the exacting geometry of the I.M.Pei addition and integrates well into the museum.

Client  |  Portland Museum of Art

Location  |  Portland, Maine

Photographer  |  Magnus Stark Photography