The Bloch Building was a modern addition to the classical Beaux-Arts architecture style of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The addition was the highlight of a 6-year, multi-phased, capital improvement program initiated by museum administrators. Connected to the museum’s original structure by tunnels, elevators and courtyard entrances, the Bloch Building increased museum space by 70 percent and made way for larger classrooms, galleries, and lobby space.
From the outside, the building changes appearance with the time and the season, its glass blocks reflecting sun and sky in day and radiating interior lighting at night. The building serves to fuse art, architecture, and landscape. The expansion is highlighted by five glass "lenses," structures that serve as light catchers for the below-grade galleries.
As part of the project, JE Dunn also renovated 234,000 square feet of existing museum space and constructed a 450-space underground garage.
