In Omaha, Neb., the Joslyn Art Museum, which displays art from ancient times to the present, has announced it will reopen on September 10, following the completion of its new 42,000-sf Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion. Designed in collaboration with Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the Hawks Pavilion is part of a museum overhaul that will expand the gallery space by more than 40%.
The Hawks Pavilion extends from the Museum’s existing buildings as a curving, low-slung structure that emerges from a new glass entry atrium joining the original 1931 building with the 1994 addition. The transparent first floor also will enclose a new museum shop and community space. As it twists upward, the structure forms the walls of the Hawks Pavilion’s second-floor, day-lit exhibition galleries.
Snøhetta’s plan for the Joslyn Art Museum
Snøhetta’s design of the expansion aims to evoke the cloud formations above the Great Plains, as well as the deep overhangs and horizontal expression of Prairie School architecture.
In addition, visitors will encounter new and refurbished gathering spaces, renovated and additional studios, enhanced amenities for public programs and art education, and new sculpture gardens. The project also updates the 1931 building’s administrative area and renovates the existing cafe.
The Hawks Pavilion will offer the first public presentation of new acquisitions from the Phillip G. Schrager Collection, which the Joslyn says is perhaps the most significant gift of art it has received. The Pavilion’s works on paper gallery will present selections from a gift by Omaha native Ed Ruscha.
After the reopening, the Joslyn will feature the first complete reinstallation of the Museum’s collections since the original building opened. The reinstallation will emphasize the relevance of art and historical objects to contemporary issues and diversify the identities and experiences represented in the galleries.
On the Building Team:
Owner: Joslyn Art Museum
Design architect and landscape architect: Snøhetta
Architect of record: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
MEP engineer: Morrissey Engineering
Structural engineer: MKA
Structural engineer of record: Thompson Dreessen & Dorner
General contractor: Kiewit Building Group
![Hawks Pavilion entry atrium with views of the Joslyn Building, Scott Pavilion, and arrival garden. Rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20%20Hawks%20Pavilion%20Entry%20Atrium%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
![Interior twist connection looking into the new Hawks Pavilion from the glass atrium that connects it to the Joslyn Building and Scott Pavilion. Rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20%20Interior%20Twist%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
![South garden view of the Joslyn Art Museum. Rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20%20South%20Garden%20View%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
![East elevation of the Joslyn Building, Hawks Pavilion, central lawn, and courtyard garden. Rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20East%20Elevation%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
![Gallery view inside the new Hawks Pavilion, rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20Gallery%20View%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
![Northwest view of the new Hawks Pavilion entry drive. Rendering courtesy Moare](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joslyn%20Art%20Museum%20Hawks%20Pavilion%20Entry%20Drive%20Design%20by%20Sn%C3%B8hetta%2C%20rendering%20courtesy%20Moare.jpg)
Related Stories
Wood | May 14, 2021
What's next for mass timber design?
An architect who has worked on some of the nation's largest and most significant mass timber construction projects shares his thoughts on the latest design trends and innovations in mass timber.
Education Facilities | May 3, 2021
Khor Kalba Turtle and Wildlife Sanctuary completes in the United Arab Emirates
Hopkins Architects designed the project.
Museums | Apr 27, 2021
GWWO Architects unveils design of the new Niagara Falls Visitor Center
The project will replace the current outdated and cramped facility.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Museums | Jan 28, 2021
Arkansas Arts Center to undergo $142 million transformation into the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Studio Gang is designing the project.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 29, 2020
The reenvisioned Sazerac House: A delectable cocktail that's just perfect for the Big Easy
The 51,987-sf Sazerac House is an interactive cocktail museum, active distillery, corporate headquarters, and event venue, all under one roof, next to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Museums | Nov 16, 2020
Design of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum unveiled
Reed Hilderbrand and Trahan Architects designed the project.
Museums | Nov 12, 2020
The National Museum of the United States Army opens
SOM designed the building.