The Crow Collection of Asian Art is to undergo a multi-million-dollar expansion in 2018 with the addition of a new gallery, art studio and more.
Upon completion of the construction, expected in October, the organisation will change its name to the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
The expansion will dramatically expand the museum’s footprint in the Dallas Arts District. Work has already begun to transform recently acquired space into a downstairs gallery, which will connect to existing upper galleries via a wood-and-glass staircase and a new elevator.
Adjacent to the new gallery will be the Lotus Shop, which will feature a pedestrian entrance along Flora Street.
The décor of the new additions features premium wood panelling, illuminated wood-slatted ceilings, hardwood floors as well as an emphasis on increasing transparency and interaction with pedestrian traffic.
The museum will also create the Pearl Art Studio as part of the expansion. This street-level space, replete with oversized windows, will host workshops, classes and art-making opportunities for families, corporate teams, individuals, school groups and artists.
Oglesby Greene Architects, which handled earlier renovations of the museum, has been tapped for the expansion project. The Beck Group is the general contractor.
Amy Lewis Hofland, executive director of the Crow Collection of Asian Art, said: “The plan is to complete the museum with spaces that fulfil the visionary spirit of co-founders Margaret and Trammell Crow and support our work to create the Crow Collection as Dallas’ Asian art museum – one that is accessible, relevant and for the community.”
Completion of the construction phase is expected in the autumn. During the construction phase, Gallery I and the Samurai Gallery on the lower level will remain open.
The Crow Collection will also open a Center for Contemplative Leadership. This will feature programming focused around The Charter for Compassion. Coupled with mindfulness-based art education programming in the museum, the initiative promotes increased awareness, productivity, and compassion for self and others through classes and workshops that explore mindfulness.
Image: c. Andreas Praefcke.
