Louisville, Kentucky

This 20,000-square-foot gut-renovation focuses on restoring the strength and clarity of an original cast-iron building while at the same time creating a dynamic new space for the display of contemporary art and performance. Important to the museum was an improved street presence that would further establish its position in Louisville, both on the scale of the city and the pedestrian.

To accomplish this, Christoff:Finio sought to enliven the façade by repositioning the main stair, once deposited towards the building’s rear, adjacent to the street, making it visible to the outside. From the exterior, the stair visually connects all four floors and enables visitors to foresee their eventual passage through the museum before entering.

Dividing the new stair and lobby is a two story Art Wall that expands upon, as well as differentiates itself from, the Museum’s current exhibition space with the hope of larger and more innovative opportunities for curation in the future.

Publication: The Architect’s Newspaper