BALTIMORE, MD.- The Baltimore Museum of Art is entering a new phase of its $24 million renovation by issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Maryland architectural firms interested in being considered for the Museum’s ambitious capital renovation. The RFQ is available on the BMA’s website. Responses are due by noon, Friday, January 14, 2011. The architectural contract will be awarded in mid April after a comprehensive review process.

"This unprecedented physical transformation is vital to the BMA’s future," said BMA Director Doreen Bolger. "We want to ensure the Museum is relevant to future generations of museum goers and an even greater cultural magnet for the region."

The BMA’s three-year phased capital renovation will bring significant improvements for visitors, including the enhancements of galleries housing three major art collections—Contemporary, American, and African; improvements to the East Lobby, and upgrades to visitor amenities. Much needed improvements in essential infrastructure, including two new roofs and a state-of-the-art building automation system, will improve care of the 90,000 works of art in the BMA’s world-class collection. The project is slated for completion in 2014, the Museum’s 100th anniversary. The BMA will remain open and will continue to offer free admission during the renovation to ensure its service to the community.

The scope of work includes:

• Redesigning galleries for American and African art to ensure a consistent standard of quality within the Museum

Installation of improved lighting

• Creating a more welcoming experience by upgrading the current visitor entrance and lobby, BMA Shop, welcome desk, and coat check room

• Creating more efficient and effective work space and improving access to storage areas

• Creating new space of at least 4,000 SF above the Thalheimer Galleries Replacing the Building Automation System (BAS) and providing other potential infrastructure improvements as necessitated by the design


The BMA is home to an internationally renowned collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art, including the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse in the world. The Museum’s 10-building complex, which was built during a span of 65 years from 1929 to 1994, encompasses more than 210,000 square feet. The Museum presents a variety of dynamic exhibitions and innovative programs and frequently hosts special events with cultural and educational partners.