Designed by global architectural design practice RTKL, the contemporary $15 million building is currently under construction. As the first U.S. institution devoted to honouring Greek culture, traditions, history, and civilization, the structure has been designed to combine elements of old and new architecture to represent ancient through modern Greek civilization.
The building, designed to meet LEED Silver certification, also utilizes the latest in glazing, lighting, green roof and HVAC technologies. The museum is constructed with natural limestone and glass, materials that respond to the artistic and technological transitions Greeks have undergone from the Classical Age to the modern day.
The building also incorporates historic architectural references such as a covered walkway, or stoa, found in classical pagan structures and natural wood accents and elements common to Byzantine monastic structures. The symbolic heart of the new building is crafted as a dramatic, sky-lit east-to-west staircase that represents the immigrant experience, cultural ties to Greece and the limitless potential of Greek Americans in the US.
RTKL has designed the 40,000 square feet facility by incorporating varied areas such as exhibit spaces, a research library, an oral history centre, and administrative offices. The first floor will house the Calamos Great Hall, a 5,300 square feet space for temporary exhibitions, private events and a museum store.
The second floor will contain the Halikias Family Exhibition Hall for permanent exhibitions, as well as an education center with classrooms and an art studio. The third floor will house the Gus and Mary Stathis Library, the Frank S. Kamberos Oral History Center, a recording studio and staff offices.
The museum tops out with a 3,600 square feet outdoor rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Tented in winter and inclement weather, the roof terrace features three separate terrace gardens and a green roof.
The entire basement level is dedicated to collections storage, using state-of-the-art high density storage systems, full security monitoring and temperature and humidity controls to protect the museum’s valuable archives.
