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Expanded by 35 percent, growing from
43,000 to 59,000 gross square feet
Galleries: Main space
increased 20 percent, from 16,158 to 19,770 gross square feet. Added
an entire new floor of light-infused galleries, many more flexible
exhibit areas to showcase smaller collections and special themes,
and a 1,000-gross-square-foot dedicated print gallery. Galleries feature
wireless technology as well as data jacks every 10 feet.
Student features: Three
classrooms in the museum for close-up work with museum objects from
storage; expanded exhibition space to accommodate the wider range
of art and cultures now covered in Smith classes; and enhanced technology
to facilitate student research in museum spaces.
Print room suite: Renamed
the Cunningham Study Center for Prints, Drawings and Photographs,
it features a study room, seminar room, work room and storage facility.
Visitor amenities: Additional
restrooms, including one set that are commissioned
works of art; expanded sales shop and greeting area; expanded
coat room and seating areas; access to studio classroom for hands-on
art activities as part of museum programs.
Public resource area: A
comfortable area on the lower level, featuring four computer workstations
and seating for reading.
Mechanical systems: State-of-the-art
environmental controls and sophisticated security system; "compact
storage" equipment to expand and improve art storage.
New works of art: The
collection has grown to include several important, newly acquired
works of art as well as a number of newly commissioned pieces, many
of which will engage visitors by blurring the line between form and
function.
New random-access digital audio
tours: Developed with Smith students, two tours of the
permanent collection will be available for the reopening. Featuring
interviews with artists, art historians, and museum staff, the multi-voice
tours cover 55 works for adults and 25 for children. Produced by
Antenna Audio, the portable format lets visitors individualize their
tours and will also allow flexibility in enjoying the museum's changing
exhibits.
Enhanced hand-held learning tools
and wall labels: Informative wall labels, small books on
specific pieces and other educational materials have been created
during the renovation as gallery aids. Many of these newly available
materials were created by Smith students.
Family and school programming: A
new studio classroom in the museum will integrate art-making and other
hands-on activities into family and school visits. (In the fall of
2002, the museum's education staff will host a teachers' workshop
to introduce expanded capabilities for school groups.)
New amenities: The college's
newly built multipurpose parking garage, the museum's easily accessible
entrance, greeting desk, improved Web
site, and expanded visitor area will enhance the visitor's museum
experience.
Adult volunteers: A
new corps of adult volunteers is being recruited and trained to help
the museum realize the full potential of the renovated and enlarged
facility. These new volunteers will welcome guests, assist with museum
projects, conduct needed research and serve as ambassadors to the
community.
Expanded classrooms: Since
1994, the museum's collections have been used by hundreds of students
as part of their work in more than 45 courses in 11 fields ranging
from chemistry to dance to American studies. When reopened, the center's
four classrooms (up from just one), will easily integrate the use
of original works of art in classes.
Data connectivity/wireless galleries: Galleries
will be equipped with data jacks and wireless technology so that students
can view works while learning more online.
Training: The 40 student
volunteers and 15-20 paid student assistants and interns who train
each year in the museum will gain their work experience in a state-of-the
art facility.
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