Tampa Museum of Art
Tampa Museum of Art
With the adjacent river located approximately at sea level, the museum’s primary requirement for programmed space was to ensure all art work, whether on display or in storage, be kept above the 18-foot flood-plain. The architect embraced the opportunity to elevate the art by developing his vision of a beautiful “jewel box” hovering over a plinth of glass recessed beneath it. The illusion is achieved with massive cantilevers that thrust the second and third stories over the museum’s first-floor outdoor promenades. It’s an innovative solution for a practical problem, providing shaded terrace areas and adding more usable space to the building’s footprint.
The museum’s long mass is split in half. A three-level museum-support space is located on the east half and consists of offices, conference rooms, storage, security, receiving, and a “flying balcony” overlooking Tampa’s skyline. A two-level public space is located on the west half and consists of a lobby, conference rooms, restaurant, souvenir store, grand stair case, double-story exhibit space, and a balcony overlooking the river and the great Florida sunsets.