As the leading urban center of folk art scholarship in the nation, the American Folk Art Museum is an 8-level building with two levels below grade, six levels above grade that occupies 30,000-SF and houses nearly 4,000 artifacts. The new museum provides not only expanded exhibit space, but also larger exposure in a tourist-frequented area and the ability to provide speaking and educational programs.

The location of the Museum is accented by an 18-foot high glass pyramid, which protrudes from the street level sidewalk and allows for viewing of the Museum two levels below grade. The pyramid also provides for the entrance of natural lighting to the two below grade floors. Additionally, several locations throughout the Museum use glass plank flooring and skylights, permitting the entry of even more natural light.

The entrance to the Museum features a 1700-SF, two story atrium which contains a new 650-SF Museum store that is accessible during non-Museum hours through a separate street level entrance. The mezzanine level houses an 850-SF café/coffee bar and overlooks the 2-story atrium. The top four floors of the Museum are completely devoted to gallery space for permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The two below grade levels hold the new 800-SF auditorium that provides seating for 74 people and classroom facilities. The lowest level houses the Museum’s office space, a library and a rare book room.

This project was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects 2002 Architecture Design Award as well as the Concrete Industry Board Award for 2002.