grimshaw architects expands queens museum in new york

grimshaw architects expands queens museum in new york
photo © david sundberg / esto
all images courtesy of grimshaw architects

international office grimshaw architects has completed the first phase of the expanded queens museum in new york city. the development involves doubling the existing capacity of the flushing meadows site, signaling the start of a new era for the historic building. after winning a competition to plan the scheme back in 2005, grimshaw’s design also involves housing a new branch of the queens library which is scheduled to be completed during phase two of the project.

carefully positioned skylights illuminate the museum’s interior
photo © david sundberg / esto

visible from the adjacent grand central parkway, a multimedia façade comprises a series of glass panels that span the length of the structure, serving as a dynamic and versatile canvas for commissioned works of art. in front of the building an expansive and welcoming entry plaza provides a gateway to the park.

internally, carefully positioned skylights illuminate the museum, while a hanging glass lantern diffuses natural daylight to the central volume and the surrounding exhibition spaces. a glazed stairway guides visitors to the second floor where areas of public congregation overlook the site and the neighboring park.

an area of seating beneath the glazed lantern
photo © david sundberg / esto

renowned for its educational outreach and community engagement, the expansion of the museum comprises several classrooms and educational facilities establishing the venue as a cultural destination where the realms of art and community merge and interact.

‘we approached the architectural design as a series of interventions devised to take advantage of the historical assets of the pre-existing structure. by keeping with the museum’s original philosophy of openness, we were able to provide spacious galleries for temporary exhibitions while improving the overall circulation of the building,’ explained grimshaw partner mark husser.

the glazed lantern diffuses natural daylight to the central large works gallery
photos © david sundberg / esto

a glazed stairway guides visitors to the second floor where areas of public congregation overlook the site
photo © david sundberg / esto

the upper level of the museum offers views across the public plaza and adjacent park
photos © david sundberg / esto

the second phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2015
photo © david sundberg / esto

the façade comprises glass panels that span the length of the structure
photo © david sundberg / esto

the elevation serves as a dynamic canvas for commissioned works of art
photo by halley tsai

project info:

location: queens, new york, USA
executive architect: ammann & whitney
structural engineering: ammann & whitney
specialty structures: m. ludvik engineering
services engineer: buro happold
museum consultant: lord cultural resources
landscape architect: mathews nielsen