Exciting times are ahead for the Tampa Museum of Art (120 W Gasparilla Plaza)! The museum has just announced that the Beck Group, a renowned architecture and construction firm, will be managing the construction of a major expansion. If you’re familiar with the cultural landscape of Florida, you might recognize Beck’s work—they’ve previously overseen iconic projects like the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.
This expansion is a big deal, not just for the museum but for the entire Tampa Bay area. The project, which adds a whopping 77,904 square feet to the museum, is part of their Centennial Campaign. This campaign is an ambitious effort to raise $110 million by late 2024 or early 2025, and it’s well on its way, thanks to significant contributions like a $25 million lead gift from Dick Corbett.
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$110 million fundraising goal to make this expansion a reality
Once the fundraising goal is reached, the museum will break ground on the new development, designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Weiss/Manfredi. The plan includes a stunning new four-story building that will seamlessly connect to the existing, recently renovated structure. The result? A transformed space that will offer an even more enriching experience for visitors.
One of the highlights of the new design is the revamped entrance. Imagine walking into a grand lobby that spans nearly 12,000 square feet, complete with a modern shop and a stylish new restaurant. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; the expansion is also about functionality. The museum will soon boast a 150-seat auditorium, fully equipped with a green room, projectors, an AV system, and theatrical lighting. This space will be the go-to spot for lectures, film screenings, and multimedia performances, adding a whole new dimension to the museum’s offerings.
A world-class cultural destination
Ryan Toth, regional director for Beck’s Florida office, captured the spirit of the project perfectly: “Our commitment to the Tampa Bay area extends beyond construction; it’s about enriching communities. We take pride in shaping Tampa’s downtown waterfront, exemplified by our collaboration on the Tampa Museum of Art’s Centennial Expansion.”
Dr. Jamie Winderbaum Fernandez, board chair of the Tampa Museum of Art, also shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Tampa Bay is growing by leaps and bounds, and we want the Museum’s offerings to keep pace with the demands of our region well into the future. It is a privilege to lead the Tampa Museum of Art board through this transformational project so our neighbors and visitors have access to a world-class cultural landmark.”
This expansion is more than just a building project—it’s a bold step forward for the museum and the Tampa Bay community. As the city continues to grow, the Tampa Museum of Art is making sure it evolves right alongside it, providing a world-class cultural destination for years to come.
Learn more about the expansion here.
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