renzo piano: whitney museum rises along the hudson river

renzo piano: whitney museum rises along the hudson, new york city, USA image © renzo piano building workshopimages courtesy of the whitney museum of american art

the fourth relocation of the whitney museum of american art since it opened its doors in 1931 is a stepped renzo piano design that is currently rising along the hudson and next to new york city’s elevated highline park. the museum’s move to the meatpacking district situates the cultural institution within the world’s largest gallery district and invite the thriving neighborhood into the art experience. organized around characteristic grand staircase, the structurally innovative building will house an 18000 square foot temporary exhibition space– the largest column-free gallery in new york city.

whitney of the future: a previewvideo © whitney museum of american art

expanisve glazing affords hudson river views and choice apertures in the minimal white wall planes fills the viewing spaces with a wealth of diffused light. an increase in the museum’s permanent collection to a total of 19000 works necessitated the need for the 200000 square foot space, all topped by a skylight-ridden upper level for large scale works. indoor and outdoor spaces are treated with equal regard for the art object, with cafe programming and viewing spaces mirrored in the visually permeable edifice. a study center and conservation lab provide intellectual resources to bolster the exhibitions. the flexible, proscenium arrangement of the theater makes for a highly adaptable space for myriad programming.

in process view of the building and it’s proximity to the highline image © ed lederman