Description

At the center of this renovation is the new Johnson-Kulukundis Family Gallery. This project focused on inserting a contemporary, flexible art gallery into the heart of an unforgiving historic building. Artists from around the world have been invited, and they have found the new facility welcoming beyond their imagination. As a neutral shell, the space stands as backdrop to each artist’s installation. Features include mounting systems for all surfaces, floor, walls and ceiling, along with a 3D space frame designed to be inserted into the gallery when it needs to be divided into smaller rooms or spaces.

The exterior masonry structure limited how extensive the building envelope might be modified. However, inventive solutions to mechanical systems allow for temperature and humidity control, resulting in Harvard Art Museums loaning works of art to be hung here.

A copper entrance door announces the gallery and welcomes visitors inside.  Due to the scale, mass and general size of the door, opening it and entering the gallery is an experience in itself, one that considers the visitor a “maker” of sorts for their own experiences.