ORLANDO, FLA.- Friends of the
Mennello Museum of American Art announced they have hired renowned architects Brooks + Scarpa & KMF Architects as the design team for the 40,000 square-foot museum expansion. In a special presentation, preliminary plans and a stunning architectural model were unveiled by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and museum director Shannon Fitzgerald at the museum’s White Canvas Party on Friday night, October 4.
Michael A. Mennello, the museum’s founder, is thrilled with the design planning and states: “My late wife, Marilyn, and I opened the museum in November 1998. We were avid art collectors who had a dream to create an intimate cultural gem. Never in a million years did I dream I would be alive to see our museum become a global destination for world-class American Art for all to enjoy.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shares his support of the museum’s vision and expansion: World-class cities place enormous value on their museums and expect them to deliver art and culture that enriches lives. I believe that the Mennello Museum is one of Orlando’s most beautiful cultural assets for our residents. As it reaches more people in our community through family-friendly programs, compelling exhibitions, and timely events, I am happy that the museum has developed a road map for the future that includes an expansion with a design that can help define what an art museum can be in the 21st Century.
Walter Ketcham, Chairman, Friends Board shares: “For nearly 21 years, the Mennello Museum has enriched our community with thought-provoking exhibitions. The future looks bright as we are now poised to add 40,000 square feet of enrichment opportunities; world-class exhibitions, innovative educational programs, and multi-purpose event spaces. This planned addition will make the museum a world-class destination experience.”
Shannon Fitzgerald, Executive Director, states: “Our plan is inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable. With the open expansion, we will serve more in our community with a mission-driven building designed to seamlessly merge art, education, nature, dwell, respite, function, and form. We started with visionary ideas on how to make the museum more cohesive and increase public access and with Brooks + Scapa and KMF Architects’ brilliant partnership, the visionary has been put into action—a very exciting moment for us all!”
The museum will move forward cautiously to ensure all the private funds are raised to continue to work with such dynamic partners in dreaming the future together, and making it a reality. “The Friends of the Mennello Museum of American Art, along with the City Of Orlando, have mapped out a success story that is so powerful as we will become a cultural destination for both our local community and visitors,” states Jim Southall, Finance Chair, Friends Board.
The $20 million expansion includes:
• 40,000 square-foot museum facility integrated around the current 12,000 square-foot museum building
• Increase the number and quality of programs, opportunities, and amenities to better serve our growing audiences
• Create a cultural destination on beautiful Lake Formosa designed to preserve and reimagine our green space, the intimacy of the Dr. Phillips Home, walking and bike paths, and sculpture garden
• Welcoming and inclusive space for the highest caliber of exhibitions and programs to best attract audiences
• Expand family-friendly and diverse art education programs to serve the community
• Multi-purpose spaces for earned income; events, weddings, classrooms, and conference room
• Ability to seat 250 and accommodate 400+ for standing indoor & outdoor events
• Attract larger audience through new branded tourism efforts
• Greater impact in the art and economic prosperity of the region
Lawrence Scarpa’s vision beautifully aligns with the museum’s goals: The Mennello Museum’s design is both futuristic and timeless. The design mirrors the objective of the artwork inside: It tells a story and furthers the Museum’s mission to be a place of education, culture, and inspiration. More than just a building, it is a civic place for social interaction, bringing people closer to art, each other and to nature, providing an opportunity for new, immersive, art experiences. The building is organized as a series of highly engaging spaces where the Museum’s mission of using art to connect people to the world around them can unfold.
Museum Expansion Architect Team
Brooks + Scarpa is a collective of architects, designers, and creative thinkers dedicated to enhancing the human experience. Honored with some of the most prestigious design awards, including the Smithsonian Cooper- Hewitt National Design Award and the American Institute of Architects National Firm Award, Brooks + Scarpa is a multi-disciplinary practice that includes architecture, landscape architecture, planning, environmental design, materials research, graphic, furniture, and interior design services that produces innovative, sustainable iconic buildings and urban environments.
KMF Architects has been active in Orlando for 20 years, bringing quality vision and implementation to a diverse portfolio of award-winning projects. A knowledge and passion for local history and infrastructure has led to a meaningful interaction with our community here in Orlando and has left a substantial impact in helping to inform its future. KMF features a diverse array of talent and experience, offering a personalized service unmatched in the industry. Brooks + Scarpa and KMF Architects have had a professional creative relationship for over a decade, leading to award-winning solutions on diverse program types.
The Brooks + Scarpa and KMF Architects partnership provides a team that merges unparalleled design with localized service and expertise. The team is excited about the opportunity to establish a new sustainable icon for the City of Orlando and Orange County, creating a place that merges art, architecture, and people, telling the story of Orlando’s rich and diverse communities.
