CHICAGO, IL.- The Art Institute of Chicago today announced the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, the first purpose-built comprehensive conservation center in the museum’s history. This is the first major renovation of conservation space in more than 25 years. It will be state of the art and fully programmed, designed, and built specifically to suit the needs of our conservation team.

Conservation is central to the museum’s mission, and the Art Institute has always been on the forefront of conservation work, hiring the museum’s first paintings conservator in 1956. Since that first hire nearly 70 years ago, the conservation team has grown to a team of 40 nationally and internationally renowned specialists in twelve distinct fields of care across all areas of the collection. With the new Grainger Center, the conservation team will have world-class facilities to enhance the already incredible work they do.

“This is the most important update and enhancement in conservation science at the Art Institute since the establishment of the department 70 years ago,” said Francesca Casadio, vice president and Grainger Executive Director, Conservation and Science. “This will allow us to elevate our research and enhance care for the collection, but also bring visitors in on the processes and the work we do every day. We are thankful to the Grainger Foundation, whose exceptional philanthropy has supported our advancements in conservation and science, our staff, and technology over the last several decades, and now is making this next major step possible.”

The new Grainger Center will feature a permanent gallery dedicated to showcasing conservation innovations, insights, and processes for visitors to see. The design will allow visitors to observe conservators treating works, offering a behind-the-scenes look with a rotating calendar of special exhibitions specific to conservation.

Designed by architecture firm Barozzi Veiga, the new Center will be 25,000 square feet, more than doubling the square footage of integrated space for conservators across departments to collaborate, conduct research, teach, and preserve our collection. The space will be built within the museum’s existing footprint, resulting in some galleries moving and collections being redistributed throughout the museum. This is all part of a long-term campus evolution that will better showcase the collection, and ultimately improve visitor experience.

“Our conservation team is truly a center of excellence, and their expertise and dedication ensures that the work our visitors love is cared for and maintained for generations to come,” said James Rondeau, Eloise W. Martin President and Director of the Art Institute. “This investment is essential to continue fulfilling our mission, and it is thrilling to be able to embark on it from a place of fiscal health and sustainability. Having raised more than $225 million for the museum’s endowment, we are in a strong position to begin this ambitious project and future campus enhancements.”

Construction on the new Grainger Center is scheduled to begin this spring with the opening planned for fall 2027. Barozzi Veiga will work in partnership with Interactive Design Architects and Samuel Anderson Architects to realize this functional and dynamic space.