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Chrysler Museum of Art Selects Construction Partner for Renovation/Expansion Project

The Chrysler Museum of Art Board of Trustees has approved the construction contract with KBS, Inc. to expand and renovate the Museum. The construction project was put to bid with pre-selected contractors, and KBS was the successful bidder. Other project partners include H&A Architects of Virginia Beach (architectural design) and George Sexton and Associates of Washington, D.C. (exhibition and lighting design).

The expansion is part of a $45 million capital campaign that has been in a quiet phase for two years. To date, the Museum has raised $41.5 million. The campaign has three primary components: the new Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, the $24 million building expansion and renovation, and endowments for the Museum to ensure financial stability in the future.

The expansion will transform nearly every aspect of the Museum, which currently has 210,000 square feet of space on two floors. An additional 8,000 square feet of new gallery space in two new wings will flank the Museum’s entrance. The additional space will enable the Museum to exhibit more works from its world-class collection and will provide opportunities to showcase new acquisitions.

Every gallery in the Museum will be modified and reinstalled when the project is complete. Significant improvements will be made to the Ancient Worlds and Glass galleries.

The expansion will also allow the Museum to relocate, expand and modernize its café and catering facilities, which will move to the front of the building with a separate entrance. This will allow dining options beyond the Museum hours and outdoor seating.

The renovations are designed to improve visitor circulation and access, as well as upgrade antiquated heating and air conditioning systems to better preserve the collection. These green initiatives will increase efficiency and significantly reduce the Museum’s energy costs.

Portions of the Museum will be closed as more than 30,000 works of art are safeguarded during the construction beginning in July. Visitors will use the side entrance on Grace Street through December 31, 2012. The entire Museum will be closed throughout 2013, and the grand reopening is scheduled for April 2014.

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums with a world-class collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America, and a new Glass Studio. The Museum is located at 245 West Olney Road in Norfolk. The Museum and Glass Studio, across the street, are open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. -9 p.m.; Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. The Chrysler and the Glass Studio are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as major holidays. Admission to the Museum’s collection and Studio glassblowing demonstrations are free. For exhibitions, programming and special events, visit chrysler.org or call 757-664-6200.

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