A Hub for Art and Study
The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago houses a diverse collection of over 16,000 artworks, fostering academic study, creative exploration, and public engagement. Aiming to advance artistic discovery and education, the museum sought to enhance its study room, offering students and scholars an intimate space to engage with its diverse collection.
Space from a storage room was reallocated, animating a previously constrained conference room into a multifunctional, flexible study and presentation space. Inside, three walls are equipped with a modular art rack system that provides high-density storage, and improves access, while custom millwork on the fourth wall introduces a ledge for the display and study of printed works. The millwork incorporates a flip-down component for an additional tier of display and is carefully sized to accommodate archival print boxes. This not only enhances storage but also supplements the high-density storage system artfully integrated and concealed within the design.
The result is a space that prioritizes the display and study of the Smart Museum’s impressive collection, bringing archived works into view and connecting them directly with students’ coursework. The room also incorporates AV and videoconferencing technology, enabling virtual presentations and collaborative shows with partner institutions. While integrating modern technology and conservation requirements, the design preserves the terrazzo grid from Edward Larrabee Barnes’ original museum, honoring the building’s architectural legacy while enhancing the museum’s educational impact and engagement with its collection.
Engaging, enriching, and evolving.
Construction Manager: Bulley & Andrews
Photography: Tara White