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Detroit Institute of Arts Renovation Enters Final Phase

The project includes restoration of a 1927 Beaux-Arts museum and theater.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 3/23/2007 12:00:00 AM

Working with Michael Graves and Associates in collaboration with Detroit-based architects SmithGroup, the Detroit Institute of Arts is getting ready to wrap up a $158.2 million, six-year reinstallation, renovation, and expansion project. “It began with the objective of making essential upgrades to the DIA’s infrastructure in order to safeguard the collections and improve access to them,” says Graham W. J. Beal, director of the DIA, which was founded in 1885. The makeover required a complete rethinking of the museum’s collections, and includes the renovation of the existing campus—the original 1927 Beaux-Arts museum and Detroit Film Theatre Auditorium and two Modernist wings (added in 1966 and 1971)—as well as an addition to the South Wing. Earlier this month, DIA announced that it will close on May 28 and reopen to the public on November 23.

The centerpiece of the DIA project is the complete reinstallation of more than 6,000 objects from the museum’s collections. Reinstalled galleries will total 152,000 square feet of exhibition space—an increase of 30 percent, due to the new addition to the South Wing as well as new galleries created out of reconfigured space in the original buildings. Nearly 60,000 square feet will be added to the buildings.

The restoration of the theater is particularly noteworthy. During the first half of the 20th century, legendary figures such as Amelia Earhart, Dizzy Gillespie, and Grace Kelly came to the DIA Auditorium to present their films and perform. Today, the space continues its long tradition of screening films personally introduced by directors and actors. Now, the structure will be meticulously restored and technologically updated, including the reintroduction of more than three miles of gold-leaf composite that will be used in refurbishing intricate plaster castings.

Upcoming inaugural exhibitions will highlight existing pieces from the museum’s 60,000-item collection and will also include a new commission by contemporary artist Julie Mehretu. Her site-specific work will engage themes related to Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry murals, commissioned by the DIA 75 years ago.

To date, the DIA has raised more than $80 million toward its $180 million goal for the museum’s Great Art, New Start capital campaign. It is now preparing to engage the community in the fundraising.