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Dallas Museum of Art redesign will include new exhibition space, rooftop terrace

The major design overhaul for the 40-year-old museum is still in the planning stages, but could include two new facades and a rooftop “floating gallery.”

A rendering of the of new DMA, from the point of view of the Hamon Forecourt. In the foreground, people walk along a wide open street, and in the background a modernist building rises up with large red letters reading "DMA" on the top.

The newly imagined DMA could have new facades and a “floating gallery” on the roof.

Rendering provided by the Dallas Museum of Art, © Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos

Big changes are in store for the Dallas Museum of Art.

Forty years after its opening, the iconic downtown museum is slated to soon receive its first major design overhaul, resulting in new exhibit space and public amenities. Let’s break it down.

The old and the new

The Dallas Museum of Art became a pivotal landmark for the developing Dallas Arts District when it opened in 1984.

The building that Dallasites know and love today is the brainchild of lauded architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, who also designed Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center and Chicago’s Smart Museum.

The modernist style of Barnes’ design may get a new look with this upcoming expansion — and leaders hint at growth to the museum’s collections, as well. Agustín Arteaga, the DMA’s Eugene McDermott Director, envisions the museum with the “most significant collection of contemporary art of any encyclopedic museum.”

A gif cycling through renderings of the new DMA.

Imagine a day of exploring art collections, lounging on the rooftop terrace, and taking in public art outdoors at the new Dallas Museum of Art.

Renderings courtesy Dallas Museum of Art, © Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos

What’s in store

The redesign concept from Madrid- and Berlin-based Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos — which beat out 150+ submissions for the bid — honors Barnes’ original design and includes new features like:

  • A “floating gallery” on the roof
  • A restaurant + rooftop terrace overlooking Klyde Warren Park
  • Two new facades
  • Education and performance spaces along Harwood Street

The museum is still deep in the planning phase, but in the coming months, the institution is expected to make adjustments to the design and share a final plan — including cost estimates — with the public.

An aerial rendering of the redesigned DMA shows a large square "floating gallery", a rooftop deck, and multiple green plant-covered roofs surrounding it.

Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos’ design beat out 150+ other bids for the DMA redesign.

Rendering provided by the Dallas Museum of Art, © Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos

In the meantime…

Just can’t wait? See the design concept on display in Focus Gallery II.

While you’re there, take in the DMA’s other current exhibitions, including:

The museum also offers programs for both adults and children, including late night hours, screenings, and special events. Reserve your free tickets online.

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