Beach Museum of Art

The original portion of this museum and university was constructed out of local materials in a vernacular style, reminiscent of the barns among the surrounding countryside. This addition to the museum applies the same emphasis on the regional context, melding together the old and new while adding boldly to its overall character.

The gallery spaces, arranged like a series of grand living rooms, feel comfortable and inviting. The forms created by their spaces evoke the commonly found grain silos and haylofts of the great plains, adding a sense of familiarity and locality.

The galleries are all painted in different nature-inspired colors. The vivid, yellow paint on the window mullions was specifically taken from a painting of a midwestern scene, which highlights the bright yellow spring grass.