Preserving History and Enhancing Accessibility: Seattle Asian Art Museum Renovation and Expansion

Seattle Asian Art Museum Renovation and Expansion Project

The Seattle Asian Art Museum is undergoing a major renovation and expansion project to bring the early 20th-century building to 21st-century standards. The project, which costs $54 million, aims to preserve the historic 1933 building and its Art Deco façade while enhancing the museum's infrastructure, increasing its ADA accessibility, and improving its connection to Volunteer Park.

Preserving the Historic Building

The renovation and expansion project preserves the historic building and its Art Deco façade while upgrading its climate control and seismic systems. The project also enhances the museum's ADA accessibility and connection to Volunteer Park. Additionally, the project restores the park's historic pathways, bringing the museum closer to the park and its visitors.

Expanding the Building

The expansion of the historic building provides approximately 13,900 square feet of new space, adding a new exhibition gallery, a dedicated education space, and a new conservation center. The expansion changes the museum's footprint in the park by only 3,290 square feet, less than one quarter of one percent of the park's 48-acre total.

Architectural Design Approach

The architectural design approach for the project parallels the curatorial goals, which seek to create relevance and meaning between the past and the present. The design is focused on strengthening the relationship between the building and the park from the outside in and the inside out. Sam Miller, AIA, Partner at LMN Architects, says, "The design approach for the project was to create relevance and meaning between the past and present, while also strengthening the relationship between the building and the park."

The Seattle Asian Art Museum renovation and expansion project is expected to be completed by fall 2019, and it will not only preserve the historic building but also enhance the museum's ability to share its significant Asian art collection with a growing and increasingly diverse audience. The project will ensure that the Seattle Asian Art Museum remains a world-class cultural resource and park amenity for residents and visitors for years to come.

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