The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will begin construction this summer on a new pavilion designed to expand and modernize the museum’s educational programming and event spaces.
The new Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion, located at 161 W. Canton Ave. behind the museum’s main campus, will replace a former bank building that has served as the museum’s programming space since 1995.
Museum officials said the existing structure, which was minimally adapted for museum use more than 30 years ago, no longer meets the needs of the institution’s growing programs and evolving technology requirements. Construction is expected to begin in early summer and take at least one year to complete.
“The current building was never designed for the way we use it today, and that presents challenges,” said Jennifer Thalheimer, the museum’s director and chief curator, in a statement. “While we are sad to see this building go, as the Museum’s programming grows and technology advances, we need a space that will help us continue reaching new audiences.”
The new pavilion will add approximately 3,000 square feet of interior space while remaining within the footprint of the current building. The facility will continue to operate as a separate structure from the main museum, but its design will reflect the Mediterranean-style architecture found throughout the existing campus.
“This is an investment the Board is making to improve and expand our services to our community and the visitors,” said Thalheimer.
Despite the construction, the Morse Museum will remain open to the public. Educational programs and events will continue throughout the project, with activities taking place in various locations across the campus and at off-site venues.
Visitors should expect limited parking availability during construction. Additional parking will be available in the Park Place garage on Canton Avenue, directly across from the museum, as well as along Park Avenue and nearby side streets.
Museum officials emphasized that the pavilion will continue to support programs aligned with the institution’s mission and will not be available to rent for private events or outside organizations.
Winter Park architect Susan Gantt designed the new pavilion to complement the museum’s established character. The project team also includes Orlando-based contractor Jack Jennings & Sons, Maitland engineering firm Bobes Associates, Orlando civil engineering company Avcon Inc., Winter Park’s Advance Structural Design, and several other Central Florida consultants.
Founded in 1942, the Morse Museum is internationally recognized for housing the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Its collection includes the chapel Tiffany designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, as well as art and architectural elements from his Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall. The museum’s holdings also feature late 19th- and early 20th-century American paintings, decorative arts, and art pottery.
More information about the museum and its programming is available at morsemuseum.org.
