Jordan Schnitser Museum of Art

The new Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the Washington State University campus brings art to the forefront of university life and to the inland Pacific Northwest. As the only dedicated fine arts museum within a 370-kilometer radius, design principal Jim Olson sought to create a building with strong visual impact that would attract and inspire people. The resulting reflective facade uses the university's signature crimson color, making the art museum a beacon of art on the Pullman campus. The museum's site was formerly home to the university's public safety building. The design incorporates portions of the existing structure and expands to 1,486 square meters. The design comprises two distinct parts. The first part, serving as the museum's informal entrance, is a flexible lounge space where temporary exhibitions and events can be held. Glass garage doors open the interior space to the larger campus and encourage students to gather. The second space, the Crimson Cube, is a climate-controlled volume housing formal galleries. The project by Olson Kundig, led by design principal Jim Olson, creates a museum that is both a serious art institution and an approachable campus gathering space. The crimson reflective facade makes it a visible landmark from across the campus, while the flexible interior supports a wide range of exhibitions and educational programs.