New Mexico Museum of Art Unveils Architectural Design of New Contemporary Art Venue at the Santa Fe Railyard

February 27th, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2018 (Santa Fe, NM)—The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the Museum of New Mexico Foundation invite the public to attend an unveiling of the architectural design of the museum’s new contemporary art venue. This event, which will also feature a big announcement, will be held Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 1:30pm, at the Santa Fe Railyard-- 404 Montezuma. The schedule for the event is as follows:

•Welcome by New Mexico Cultural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Veronica Gonzales
•Big Announcement by Ashlyn and Dan Perry, Co-Chairs of the New Mexico Museum of Art Centennial Campaign
•Introduction of architects DNCA + StudioGP by Mary Kershaw, Director of the New Mexico Museum of Art
•Presentation of schematic design and projected visuals by DNCA + StudioGP
•Closing Remarks by Jamie Clements, President/CEO of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation

“This ambitious project to establish a contemporary art venue for the New Mexico Museum of Art is a major moment in the history of Santa Fe and for our state, just as the founding of the museum was in 1917,” said New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Veronica Gonzales. “We are dedicated to the continued enhancement of what is already a world-class museum collection and to strengthening the connection of Santa Fe and New Mexico to contemporary art worldwide,” she said.

The Railyard location of the New Mexico Museum of Art, with a focus on contemporary art, has a projected opening date of 2020. The new location represents a gateway not only to the museum’s first location on the Santa Fe Plaza, about a half-mile distance, but also to the Railyard District and its thriving contemporary arts scene. 

Mary Kershaw, the museum’s director said, “It’s brilliant to be working with our talented architects to create a design that is as relevant and exciting today for Santa Fe and New Mexico as our current building was when it opened. The new venue has a great industrial aesthetic with a perfect size and scale for contemporary art. It will present ambitious contemporary exhibitions, showcase working artists, and provide space for expanded educational programs. The iconic New Mexico Museum of Art’s 1917 building on the Santa Fe Plaza will focus on celebrating our state’s dynamic collection of 20th-century art and photography of the Southwest and continue to serve as a hub for community events and performances.”

Along with the need for more space, a goal to showcase more art being produced now, as well as the emergence of the dynamic, creative and walkable Santa Fe Railyard Arts District, combined to make this building a logical second location.

In July 2017, it was announced that the architectural team of DNCA + StudioGP of Albuquerque, N.M., were selected to design the conversion of what was the state’s Halpin Building into a second location for the museum, which will now be focused on showcasing contemporary art.

The Museum of New Mexico Foundation – an independent, nonprofit organization raises private support for the four state museums in Santa Fe and seven historic sites statewide. Today, thousands of generous members and donors contribute to all of our cultural institutions through membership, designated gifts and more. The Foundation is undertaking a $10 million fundraising effort, known as the Centennial Campaign, to bring the Museum of Art’s project to fruition.

 The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs is New Mexico’s cultural steward and is charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, eight historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation and library programs, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation. Together, the facilities, programs and services of the Department support a $5.6 billion cultural industry in New Mexico. 

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Image: Halpin Building facing Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe

Media Contact: DCA Office of the Secretary Jennifer Villela 505-577-1347  jennvillela@vmedianm.com