The San Fran Asian Art Museum’s New Look

Details

Blueprint

ASIAN ART MUSEUM, SAN FRANCISCO

It’s hard to compete with San Francisco’s grandiose City Hall, but the 1917 Beaux Arts building that houses the Asian Art Museum is about to do just that.

Construction will soon begin on a $38-million revitalization, masterminded by architect Kulapat Yantrasast of architecture firm WHY. A 13,000-square-foot pavilion and rooftop art terrace will accommodate growing audiences, and the additions will provide gallery and event spaces to engage the community. Wraparound windows and transparent railings bound the second-floor pavilion and rooftop terrace.

“By respecting yet enhancing the unique character of the historic building, I envision a completely transformed experience of the museum, even before people set foot in the galleries,” Yantrasast says.

RENDERING COURTESY WHY AND ASIAN ART MUSEUM