Right in the center of my hometown neighborhood lies San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Recently, the building has finished its $105 million dollar expansion. Let’s see what they were able to accomplish with this four-year-long project:
The museum itself has stunning architecture. The building lies on the coast of La Jolla, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The MCASD in La Jolla originally belonged to philanthropist Elle Browning Scripps, who offered her home to serve as the museum’s opening location. The museum has undergone multiple expansions and renovations since its opening, tasked by different architects.
Selldorf Architects were responsible for the most recent renovation, with the main goal of expanding the space to fit a growing art collection. Apart from design renovations to its existing 28,000 square feet, 46,000 extra square feet were added. It now features tall windows and white walls to project a minimalist aesthetic.
The openness of the new layout is meant to cultivate a “more inviting and inclusive museum with a greater connection to the community,” according to the architect. It is also supplemented by unbeatable views of La Jolla beaches and natural lighting. These are both meant to be part of the museum experience as visitors walk through the gallery.
I will certainly be paying the MCASD a visit when I am back home!
