Speaking on a personal note, due to my now proximity to the Museum of Fine Arts, I have been watching from my window, the construction of this amazing building with much anticipation. We are thrilled by the breaking news from Museum Director, Gary Tinterow, as he announced that the institution’s multi-year project to complete the expansion and redevelopment of the Susan and Fayez S. Sarofim Campus will reach completion in Fall of 2020 with the completion of the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building. The Kinder Building is specially dedicated to installations from the important and rapidly growing MFAH collection of 20th and 21st century art and will open with an exhibition highlighting major collections never before presented in depth.
It should be noted that the redevelopment of the Sarofim Campus and related off-site art-storage facilities is the largest cultural project currently in progress in North America. Begun in 2012 and undertaken through a $450 million capital and redevelopment campaign, primarily through local contributions, which to date has been exceeded, the project will unify the campus by creating 14 walkable acres. The new home for the Glassell School of Art, also designed by Steven Holl Architects is complete and I can attest to several first-hand joyful experiences that this new addition has brought to me and to my family. The Kinder Building is 183,528 square feet overall with more than 56 percent dedicated to the presentation of works of art. Additional features of the building include a 215 seat theater for film screenings and a restaurant and café on the ground level……all of which are also of keen interest to me!
“The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, has over the last dozen years, become of this nation’s fastest growing art museums in terms of collections, programs and audience,” Gary Tinterow said. “For some eight years now, through our campus plan, we have been stepping up in every way to match the growth, diversity and dynamism of our city. When we open the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building in Fall 2020, we hope to welcome the entire world to an expansive, beautifully designed complex of buildings and urban gardens, revealing the previously unsuspected riches of an international collection we could have never before exhibit in such range and depth.”
This project is of such importance that I encourage all to visit the Museum of Fine Arts website to learn more,click here.
The campaign has exceeded expectations and based on the continued interest in Houston to support the Museum and the campaign, the MFAH continues to fundraise.
photos courtesy of MFAH