The Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) in Michigan has doubled in size with the launch of its $15.4 million expansion, the Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion.
Named after art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Elaine Melotti Schmidt, the new building adds four new galleries, including an underground print gallery, two education studios, viewable collections storage, a new gift store, and an outdoor sculpture park.
Also part of the expansion are staff support spaces such as expanded collections storage, a workshop, and event preparation areas.
Established in 1912, the Muskegon Museum of Art oversees a collection of more than 5,500 works of art. However, due to limited gallery space, only 3 percent of the collection could be displayed at a time.
With the expansion, more of the permanent collection has gone on view in the historical side of the museum, while the new galleries are offering rotating exhibitions.
As for the new education studios, these will allow the museum to host classes, workshops, events, and an open art studio during normal museum hours.
Also part of the expansion; more than 150 paintings by women artists were donated to the MMA by Bennett and Schmidt.
Some of these works are on show in the new building’s inaugural exhibition, Transcending Tradition: Selection of Works from The Bennett Collection of Women Realists. This is now open and will run through 11 May.
New building opens with work of women artists
Fewer than five museums in the world dedicate space solely to the work of women artists, the MMA said in a press release.
“This opening of the Bennett Schmidt Pavilion marks the start of a new MMA,” the Muskegon Museum of Art’s executive director Kirk Hallman said.
“Steven and Elaine’s vision is one shared by the MMA. The Bennett-Schmidt gift is a call to action institutionally, encouraging both the Muskegon Museum of Art and other museums to continually expand opportunities for women artists.”
The Bennett-Schmidt Pavilion was designed by Annum Architects of Boston in collaboration with Mathison | Mathison Architects in Grand Rapids.
