By
Andrew King
Museums — especially those of the art variety — tend to celebrate the past.
The Columbus Museum of Art, while maintaining its collection and heritage, is also trying to
reinvent itself in a contemporary fashion.
In the midst of a three-phase renovation and expansion, museum officials have raised $56 million
toward a $90 million campaign for the project — which will include an endowment.
Set to open on Tuesday is the most recent facet: the 7,000-square-foot West Garden, at E. Broad
and N. 9th streets — to serve as the main museum entrance in 2013 after construction begins on the
expansion and the north entrance is closed.
“What we wanted was a beautiful entrance and also to create a green space for the community,”
said Nannette V. Maciejunes, executive director of the museum.“It fits because what we’re trying to
do is give a fresh take on the museum. I think it lets you see the museum through a new lens.”
The staff is pleased, said Rod Bouc, deputy director of operations, with the oval garden —
designed by MSI Design of Columbus.“It seemed kind of small, but, when you go and stand in the
area, it isn’t small at all,” he said. “It’s just really well-designed.The space, Bouc said, was
little-used before.“Part of it was a parking lot, but the other part of it was just a dead space.
We had one sculpture there, but nobody would ever go see it. It’s really nice that we can use that
space now.”
Although aesthetics was a priority for the garden design, Maciejunes said, the inclusion of a
ramp around one side (mirrored by a “wandering path” on the other side) improves accessibility for
people who use wheelchairs.
“Even if this wasn’t going to be the entrance during renovation,” she said, “it was very
important for us to make this be an . . . accessible entrance.”
Nancy Colvin, museum marketing and communication manager, said the West Garden — open free
during museum hours — fits the philosophy of the neighborhood: The Discovery District, just east of
Downtown, strives to create green spaces.
The $700,000 garden, a public green space completed in partnership with the Columbus Recreation
and Parks Department, was funded by the city. The museum will maintain it.The area is filled with
trees, grasses and flowers, and surrounded by a metal fence inspired by tall grass waving in the
wind.The overall museum project began in October 2009 with the renovation of Beaton Hall, the
former Columbus Arts School and now a museum administrative building.The second phase concluded on
Jan. 1 with the unveiling of the $7 million renovation of the Elizabeth M. and Richard M. Ross
Building, the Italian Renaissance portion of the museum built in 1931.
The garden, Maciejunes said, represents a “prequel” to the third phase — during which the north
wing, dating from 1974, will be renovated and a new 50,000-square-foot wing
constructed.Groundbreaking for the $37 million effort is scheduled for next spring.
The new space will house a special exhibition space, a new gallery, a cafe and a new museum
store. The expansion will compel the museum to lose the Russell Page sculpture garden, but those
works will be incorporated into a new sculpture garden.
aking@dispatch.com
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