The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art plans to exhibit its new space in downtown Denver next spring.
Last year, museum officials rolled the studio and art school building formerly used by Denver artist Vance Kirkland from Capitol Hill to its new location near the Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum. The plan is to hold a grand opening March 10 for the century-old building and new adjoining two-story gallery and administrative space, said Maya D. Wright, communications manager and historian at Kirkland Museum.
The Kirkland was originally expected to open at 1201 Bannock St. sometime this fall but construction delays forced staff to wait, Wright told Denverite on Friday.
"Shaw Construction has done an excellent job with this project, but things took longer than expected. We have now moved into our offices in the new building but will need several more months to finish displaying the collection," she said.
It's unclear how much the move will end up costing the Kirkland. Staff declined to share a budget for construction because it's "not yet finalized." Land alone cost $7.7 million, according to the museum.
Funding for construction of the new building was provided by Merle Chambers Fund. The money and move mean greater visibility for the 14-year-old museum’s three collections featuring international decorative art, Colorado and regional art and works by Vance Kirkland.
Kirkland's paintings and the objects in the collection inspired Seattle-based Olson Kundig's design of the new 38,500-square- foot museum. The building features shades of golden terracotta and glass.
A week of private events are planned ahead of the public opening next year including a gala and preview events for museum members, artists and community partners.
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Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.
