The Amon Carter Museum of American Art will undergo a renovation early next year that will recreate architect Philip Johnson’s original design of the museum’s front façade. The renovations will begin Feb. 2 and last approximately four months. The museum will remain open during the renovation, but some galleries will be inaccessible. All galleries are scheduled to reopen in June 2015.
The front glass facade will receive new glass panels designed to maximize control of the amount of light that enters the museum making the current use of shades unnessary. Renovated air handlers in the main gallery and new air handlers in the upstairs galleries will also contribute to a more controlled environment. Finally, the revolving front door will be replaced with a new entryway so that all visitors, especially those with strollers and wheelchairs, can easily enter the museum. During construction, museum visitors will enter and exit the building from Lancaster Avenue.
“Our goal is to create a superior environment for art and visitors,” said Amon Carter Director Andrew J. Walker/ “With this renovation, we are also going ‘back to our roots’ by recreating Philip Johnson’s original design of the museum’s front facade. A renovation in the 1990s changed his design of the main entrance by adding more glass panes and a revolving door. With this update, we are returning to his original concept with fewer glass panes while incorporating better glass technology to protect the collection from ultraviolet light. This is better for the art, better for our visitors and a return to the architect’s original intent.” As part of the renovation, the museum’s main gallery will be transformed into more of a community gathering place, said Walker. “These are the first steps in transforming our entire footprint into an interactive space for all audiences,” he said. “We will ask for the community’s input on this, so stay tuned for more details.”
The following galleries will be closed from February 2 through June 2015: the front galleries on both the first floor and the mezzanine level and the special exhibition galleries on the second floor. The museum’s front entrance and all outdoor grounds will also be closed; this includes the parking lot, plaza, portico and the area near the Henry Moore sculpture. “The safety of our collection and visitors is of utmost priority, and both will be protected by the partial closure of the building and grounds,” Walker said. “Construction is never without some inconveniences, but we are working to minimize them. The permanent collection will remain on view during this time, and most of the public’s favorite paintings and sculptures will remain accessible.” During the renovation, the museum’s collection will be located throughout the open galleries. There will be no special exhibition in the spring, though the museum is presenting four permanent collection installations of artworks not typically on view. These include: Audubon’s Beasts (January 15–August 2), American Still Life (February 7–August 2), Like Father Like Son: Edward and Brett Weston (February 14–August 23) and Remington and Russell (February 21–June 2). Also on view is Lone Star Portraits (through May 17).