The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is currently undergoing a $142 million renovation. Planning began in 2016 and construction started in October 2019, and the museum is expected to reopen in the fall of 2022. "From the outset, our goal has been to make accessible the very best of art and architecture to Little Rock,” said AMFA Executive Director Victoria Ramirez. “We are realizing the most contemporary ideas about museums and public spaces and creating a new paradigm that is both art- and people-centric.”
The 133,000-square-foot space blends elements of the original 1937 Art Deco structure, which will serve as an entrance to the museum, with stunning contemporary design. Its signature roof — a flowing, folded-plate concrete structure — blossoms to the north and south. Below the roof is a custom curtainwall system that allows for breathtaking views of MacArthur Park.
The existing galleries, arts school and theater have been renovated and 40,000 square feet of new construction includes a new gallery, administrative and education spaces, amenities and new entrances. One feature is a large wall for exhibits that faces windows overlooking the park — an enticement to people outside. There is also a "cultural living room" — a social gather space designed for events and other programming.
We are part of a tri-venture with Nabholz and Doyne Construction overseeing the construction of the renovation and expansion. We self-preformed the concrete roof structure providing field supervision, a prefabricated framing system, layout and rebar detailing with subcontracted collaborators DNA Detailing & BIM.
