The Portland Museum of Art (the PMA) has launched an international design competition to select an architect for a $45m expansion project that will double the museum’s current size.
The PMA previously announced plans for an $85m project that includes an expansion on the site of the former Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine and renovations to its existing buildings.
Set to launch in 2026, the 60,000-square-foot expansion will include a rooftop restaurant, sculpture park and event space. The museum’s open competition will be conducted in two stages.
“We are excited to invite experts from around the world to internalize the goals of ‘The PMA Blueprint’ and turn them into physical spaces that bring them to life,” said Mark Bessire, director of the Portland Museum of Art.
“This is no easy task, as our communities have made their expectations clear for open and innovative spaces that enable a flexible range of programs, exhibitions, and art,” he added.
“Beyond that, architects must understand the unique characteristics of Portland and of Maine, while displaying enthusiasm and reverence for this project’s long-term impact.”
The Portland Museum of Art is working with architect selection firm Dovetail Design Strategists to develop and direct the design competition. The deadline to submit is no later than 3pm EST on 1 July 2022.
In the first phase of the competition, architects are invited to form a multi-disciplinary team and respond to the request for qualifications (RFQ).
In the second phase, the PMA will select up to four firms to develop a concept design for the project over three months. The winner will be selected by a jury in December 2022.
“The growth of the PMA in recent years has been staggering,” said the PMA’s board president Cyrus Hagge. “This is a marquee moment in the PMA’s 140-year history and for the city of Portland and state of Maine.”
Deadline to submit is 1 July 2022
According to the brief: “The museum has outgrown its current campus due to increased visitation and several major gifts to its collection.
“The broadening and diversification of the artwork, record attendance prior to the pandemic and community feedback have underlined the need for more space.”
“The PMA’s new museum wing will anchor and integrate the entire campus and double the institution’s existing size,” the brief states.
“It will be an environmentally and ecologically responsible expansion that will accommodate new collections and major exhibitions, host community events, programs, and performance space for the seeing and making of art, and will consolidate all staff offices.”
Founded in Maine in 1882, the PMA’s collection includes more than 18,000 objects.
Images: Portland Museum of Art
