Architecture of Public Museums

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the history and architecture of public museums. The paper specifically focuses on the architecture of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and how its architecture reflects its history. The paper then discusses the architect Louis I. Kahn and how he used existing elements to modify the modern model of museum building into a unique and pioneering art form.

From the Paper:

"Specifically, James describes a variety of buildings to demonstrate the various elements that Kahn uses in his architecture. One building of particular interest is his Yale Center for British Arts. Here, the cylindrical stair tower in the courtyard of the Center introduces an imposing note (James, p. 49). In contrast, and indeed according to Khan's ideal, the facades are understated and reserved. The elevations of the courtyard and galleries adhere to the principle of study, providing a quiet space for students to focus their thoughts and their subdued conversation. As such the courtyard focuses the purpose of the rest of the building. In the interior, daylight is filtered to a soft hue through skylights, where as the oak and fabric paneled walls as well as chamber music further focuses the atmosphere inward, towards a contemplative and peaceful design. Spatial emphasis is placed upon the aesthetic displays of the galleries within the courtyard rather than upon functional elements such as offices and classrooms. The latter is veiled by corridors stretching from the courtyard (James, p. 49)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• The Museum of Modern Art, New York. (2004). Curator's Statement. http://www.moma.org/expansion/charette/statement.html
• James, Kathleen (1995, Sep). Louis Kahn's Indian Institute of Management's Courtyard: Form versus Function Journal of Architectural Education Vol. 49, No. 1. pp. 38-49.
• Ricciotti, Dominic (1985, Summer). The 1939 Building of the Museum of Modern Art: The Goodwin-StoneCollaboration American Art Journal, Vol. 17, No. 3. pp. 50-76.

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• Analytical Essay # 6997 : "The Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museums of Art"

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