MYMUSEUM

Building Progress

The new UI Stanley Museum of Art site is a hive of activity. Just like a beehive, much of the work now is happening inside, but exterior work continues as weather permits. Throughout the late summer and early fall, workers enclosed the building shell. They also began exterior brick work on the west side of the building in early September and quickly progressed across the south side, where passersby can admire the bricks’ beauty.

The second level of bricks are set in a Flemish bond pattern, with the header bricks protruding from the face of the wall. These cast diagonal shadows in light at an oblique angle and will catch snow in the winter. Workers also are installing window frames and glass and buttoning up the building for winter.

Inside, installation of the wall framing, duct work, mechanical and fire suppression systems, steam, humidifiers, HVAC piping, and electrical conduits continues. As of early December 2020, the team had installed 6,500 linear feet of ductwork—out of a total of 14,000 linear feet—that weighed 70,000 pounds. Drywall and plywood installation will begin in the second-floor galleries soon. The project has passed the 60% completion mark, and we are 100% excited every time we see the building!

While there may be a bit less to see on our construction webcam throughout the winter, the team still will be hard at work. Take a look!

University of Iowa Museum of Art Image One

First Floor 11 02 20: View of the main lobby from the southeast corner of the first floor. The main stairs are to the left, and the lightwell is enclosed in plastic.

University of Iowa Museum of Art Image Two

Second Floor 11 02 20: View of the southwest corner of the second-floor galleries.

University of Iowa Museum of Art Image Three

Third Floor 11 02 20: View of the southeast corner of the third floor. The open space will become classrooms, print storage, and matting and framing rooms. The open exterior wall on the right side of the image is a terrace space overlooking Burlington Street.

University of Iowa Museum of Art Image Four

Brick 11 02 20: Brickwork on the southwest corner of the museum. Office windows are visible on the third floor.

University of Iowa Museum of Art Image Five

Wall install 11 02 20: Messages from the September 2020 virtual wall signing event are temporarily installed on the construction site. The messages will be permanently installed on a hidden wall in 2021.