That look is achieved by covering the Kinders outer layer with 1,103 pieces of laminated glass half-cylinders of varying sizes, some even 20 feet long. Photo Richard Barnes, courtesy of the MFAH. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. With more than 100,000 square feet of space, or 56 percent, dedicated to the presentation of works of art, the Kinder Building increases overall MFAH exhibition space by nearly 75 percent. Rather than a mechanical and repetitive space, the light is organic and flows to echo the movement of the galleries. Copyright 2023, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Using acrylic rods, which we cut in half and laminated on acrylic sheets, we discovered the internal glow and arcing variation of light and reflection across the curved surfaces that are now visible in the building. Additional features of the building . The new museum architecture of the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building is characterized by porosity, opening the ground floor at all elevations. Street parking is available in the surrounding area. The MFAH begins to tell the story of modernism ahead of World War I on the second floor of the Kinder Building. The curved glass elements have a soft texture, alabaster-like. Photo Richard Barnes, courtesy MFAH. Designed to display the Museum's collections of modern and contemporary art, the three-story, 237,213-square-foot Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, designed by Steven Holl Architects, houses 102,366 square feet of exhibition space on its two upper floors, its entry-level and two underground pedestrian tunnels. You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! The Kinder is a remarkable contribution to the Bayou City, and we're looking forward to seeing many shows there in the weeks, months, years, and decades to come. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company. Image: Thomas Dubrock/Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Nancy and Rich Kinder Building - The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston By Installation view of Carlos Cruz-Diezs Chromosaturation MFAH, Paris 1965 / Houston 2017. Organized horizontally on two levels, all galleries have natural light and are flexible with open flow. He is the chairman of the board of trustees of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and serves as chairman of the Kinder Foundation. Since 2000, the MFAH has been building a collection of South American art. The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building opening is sponsored in part by a major grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Go behind the scenes to see the art on view, and how this years-long master plan came together. Text description provided by the architects. All Rights Reserved BNP Media. 5500 Main St. 713-639-7300. And thebronze sculptural pool placed outside its Main Street doors is a zen welcome. They provide natural light for the gallery and trap hot air, creating a cool jacket inside. The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, from above. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies.