US architecture practice Brooks + Scarpa and Florida-based architecture studio KMF Architects have been commissioned to design the new expansion of the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, Florida.

A new 40,000 square-foot (3,716-square-metre) museum facility will be integrated to the existing 12,000 square-foot (1,115-square-metre) museum building, increasing the number and quality of programs, opportunities, and amenities to better serve the institution's growing audiences. 

The new program of the expansion will create a cultural destination on beautiful Lake Formosa designed to preserve and reimagine the institution's green space, the intimacy of the Dr. Phillips Home, walking and bike paths, and sculpture garden. 

The new building will expand family-friendly and diverse art education programs to serve the community, provide a 250-seat multi-purpose space that will accommodate 400+ for standing indoor & outdoor events.

The museum will includes multi-purpose spaces for earned income; events, weddings, classrooms, and conference room and it is expected to have a greater impact in the art and economic prosperity of the region. 

The $20 million expansion is composed of elongated volumes that features some extruded boxes towards beautiful Lake Formosa. The architects will combine wood and white-colored palette to create a deep contrast in the facades. The building is designed as an open museum that shows the internal movement inside. 

"My late wife, Marilyn, and I opened the museum in November 1998. We were avid art collectors who had a dream to create an intimate cultural gem. Never in a million years did I dream I would be alive to see our museum become a global destination for world-class American Art for all to enjoy," said Michael A. Mennello, the museum’s founder.

"World-class cities place enormous value on their museums and expect them to deliver art and culture that enriches lives. I believe that the Mennello Museum is one of Orlando’s most beautiful cultural assets for our residents," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on the museum’s vision and expansion.

"As it reaches more people in our community through family-friendly programs, compelling exhibitions, and timely events, I am happy that the museum has developed a road map for the future that includes an expansion with a design that can help define what an art museum can be in the 21st Century," added Mayor Buddy Dyer.

All images courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa

> via Brooks + Scarpa & Mennello Museum of American Art