The Wadsworth Atheneum is America’s first public art museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its five separate, but contiguous buildings were built over the span of 125 years. The renovation will address roof leakage problems and façade issues with the museum’s Morgan, Avery and Goodwin buildings, which date from 1910, 1934 and 1969 respectively.
In addition to addressing structural issues, the renovation will also improve the overall visitor experience by providing a 14% increase in available gallery space, which will be home to both permanent collection installations and special exhibitions. A major component of the restoration project will be the re-opening of the light monitors in the Morgan Building, which will bring natural light into the upper galleries.
New interior and exterior signage, including bi-lingual signage, will direct visitors to the museum and throughout its historic interiors, as well as provide increased interaction. In addition, the museum will be working with an internationally renowned artist to create an art installation on the exterior of the building.
Significant energy savings as a result of mechanical improvements to the HVAC system and two green roof areas will be additional benefits, while also reducing the museum’s operating costs.
The majority of the $16 million dollar project cost is funded through a $15 million grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; a $900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and an $183,000 grant from the Mortensen Foundation.
The architect for the project is the Hartford-based firm of SmithEdwards Architects, and the construction manager is Consigli Construction, which has its offices in Enfield.
The project is slated to be completed by the end of 2011.
