The Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth has announced a four-month renovation project, designed to improve the museum’s climate control. New windows and air conditioning will make the art last longer, and, says Director Andrew J. Walker, and “keep the gallery spaces temperate for visitors.” The revolving front door will be replaced with a new, wheelchair-friendly entryway, recreating Philip Johnson’s original design of the museum’s front facade. In line with the current search for relevance beyond simply showing art, Walker noted another goal for the project: “In tandem with this construction, we are working to change the function of the main gallery from solely a place to exhibit art into one that is also a community gathering place. These are the first steps in transforming our entire footprint into an interactive space for all audiences.”
The museum will remain open, and school tours will continue, but there will be no public programs during the renovation, and the museum will close at 5 p.m. on Thursdays for the duration. Construction begins on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2015, with everything scheduled to reopen in June.
