Plains Art Museum Announces Two-Part Expansion Project

The Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, has launched the first phase of its $15 million Connections Campaign, aiming to modernize public access to its 6,000-piece collection. By expanding its basement vault and planning a 6,400-square-foot welcome center, the institution seeks to transition from traditional storage to an open-access model, a shift currently utilized by only 18% of American museums, according to CEO Erin Shapiro.

How is the museum expanding public access?

The museum is physically removing walls in its lower-level vault to increase storage space from 2,150 square feet to 3,700 square feet. According to the Plains Art Museum, this renovation will incorporate glass walls and open doors, allowing the public to view items that were previously kept in restricted storage. This project, designed by the firm Olson Kundig, aims to bring a higher level of transparency to the institution’s operations. The museum confirmed that while construction requires the removal of some atrium flooring to install a vapor barrier, all ongoing exhibitions and public programming will continue without interruption.

What is the financial scope of the Connections Campaign?

The total capital campaign goal stands at $15 million, with $4.7 million raised to date. A significant portion of this funding includes a $3 million donation from local businessman Brian Hayer, which CEO Erin Shapiro identified as the largest individual donation to an arts organization in North Dakota history. The funds are earmarked for the construction of the Brian J. Hayer Family Welcome Center and the installation of a new elevator system to improve accessibility. According to Hayer, the current museum entry on Seventh Street North poses physical barriers for some guests, and the new street-level entrance on First Avenue North is designed to create a more welcoming environment.

Why is the expanded vault necessary now?

The demand for space stems from a rapid increase in the museum’s holdings. The Plains Art Museum has acquired over 450 works within the last two years alone. Notable additions include pieces by contemporary artists Brad Kahlhamer, Wendy Red Star, and Aaron Spangler, as well as the archives of master printmaker Steven M. Andersen. The museum serves as the state’s only American Alliance of Museums-accredited facility and its only Smithsonian Affiliate, a status that necessitates specialized climate-controlled environments for its growing collection of regional Indigenous works and contemporary art.

What is the expected timeline for completion?

The vault expansion is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with the new, accessible storage space expected to open to the public in early 2027. The broader phase involving the construction of the Brian J. Hayer Family Welcome Center is slated to begin by 2029, contingent upon the successful completion of the fundraising campaign. Fargo Mayor-elect Josh Boschee noted that these infrastructure improvements are viewed as a strategy to bolster the city’s cultural vibrancy and attract visitors to the downtown area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the museum close during construction?

No. According to museum leadership, all current programming and exhibitions will continue as scheduled while the vault expansion and related construction take place.

What makes the new vault “cutting-edge”?

The vault will feature glass walls and open-access design elements, allowing the public to see pieces from the museum’s 6,000-plus collection that are usually kept behind closed doors.

Who is the lead architect for the project?

The design is handled by Olson Kundig, a firm recognized for its work with museum spaces, with JLG serving as the Architect of Record.

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