Pulitzer Arts Foundation
A quiet collision of art and architecture
- Client
- Pulitzer Arts Foundation
- Location
- Missouri, United States
- Size
- 27,000 square feet
- Status
- Completed
A concrete and glass structure built around a water court, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation centers minimalism and daylight, creating serene gallery sequences where the art can take center stage. Designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, with CannonDesign serving as Architect of Record, the two-story building emphasizes the relationship between art and architecture, letting the scale of the galleries change while also staying as a stable backdrop.
When the Pulitzer opened in 2001, the building became an internationally celebrated place to present art as well as a defining feature of the museum. Spacious galleries illuminated by abundant and ever-changing natural light combine with a central water court to create multi-layered experiences of the art within. In 2015, our team again partnered with Tadao Ando and the Pulitzer to transform the lower level into public spaces and new galleries, expanding the museum’s exhibition space by nearly fifty percent.
The building's low horizontal profile and calm material palette establish a sense of restraint and focus, while strategically placed openings frame light and views into the serene interior spaces. The result is an exterior that feels both monumentally simple and intimately connected to the experience of the galleries within.
The galleries range in size, from smaller more intimate rooms for delicate work to longer spaces that can accommodate larger pieces. While the rooms differ in scale, consistent wall heights and carefully controlled natural light create a sense of continuity throughout. The spaces are intentionally simple, allowing the art to take focus while the architecture provides a calm and consistent backdrop.
The museum has been described as both a serene setting for the contemplation of art and a contribution toward revitalizing the urban landscape of historic St. Louis.
After completion of the initial project in 2001, our local design team provided local support on the completion of the lower-level galleries, which were previously not open to the public. Two galleries, restrooms and a monumental concrete stair were included, designed to accommodate rotating exhibits. It continues the architectural language of the rest of the building, with hardwood floors, plaster ceiling and walls and concrete surfaces.
