October 14, 2019

Brooks + Scarpa to Expand Orlando’s Mennello Museum

Mennello Museum of American Art by Brooks + Scarpa. Rendering courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa.

Though best known as the theme park capital of the world, the city of Orlando is slated for another draw, this time relating to culture. The Mennello Museum of American Art has chosen Brooks + Scarpa to design a planned 40,000-square foot expansion, scheduled for completion by 2021.

The Los Angeles-based architecture firm will collaborate with local firm KMF Architects on the new facility, which will be integrated into the 12,000-square foot museum on the shore of Lake Formosa. “More than just a building, it is a civic place for social interaction, bringing people closer to art, each other, and to nature, providing an opportunity for new immersive art experience,” says Larry Scarpa of Brooks + Scarpa.

Mennello Museum of American Art by Brooks + Scarpa. Rendering courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa.

The new building will increase exhibition space for the museum, founded in 1998, and act as a multi-faceted venue for programs and revenue-earning events such as weddings and conferences. Predicated on the use of cement panels and cypress, Scarpa describes the design as “both futuristic and timeless.”

Mennello Museum of American Art by Brooks + Scarpa. Rendering courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa.
Mennello Museum of American Art by Brooks + Scarpa. Rendering courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa.

Read more: Frank Gehry on Hand to Mark Collaborative Restoration of Philadelphia Museum of Art

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