San Diego Museum of Art Unveils Ambitious West Wing Expansion Plan

The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is set to undergo a significant transformation as it approaches its centennial celebration. The museum’s chief curator, Anita Feldman, has proposed an ambitious plan to expand the west wing, which would double the museum’s exhibition space and enhance the overall visitor experience. This initiative is part of a broader vision that includes the redevelopment of the nearby Plaza de Panama, creating a more inviting atmosphere for art lovers and the general public alike.

As part of the centennial festivities, which will culminate in an exhibit opening on January 24, 2024, SDMA has outlined a range of innovations aimed at modernizing the museum. Feldman envisions the museum becoming the permanent home for the San Diego Ballet and repurposing the current gift shop into a study center that showcases the extensive collection of 1,500 mini Indian paintings donated by Edwin Binney, recognized as the most comprehensive collection outside of India.

A key component of this plan is the proposed expansion of the museum’s west wing, originally built in 1966. Feldman argues that the current space is underutilized, noting that the library is seldom open and the auditorium fails to meet current needs. The renovation aims to introduce two stories of subterranean storage and exhibition space, alongside two stories of above-ground galleries and a rooftop terrace to display sculptures.

The enhancements will preserve beloved features such as the popular Panama 66 café and the sculpture garden, while also creating new spaces for community engagement. The vision includes a more open sculpture garden, an education pavilion, and a ground-floor café that facilitates easier access to the museum. Feldman emphasizes the importance of accessibility, stating, “We don’t want people to feel intimidated coming to a museum.”

The redesign will introduce a ground-level entrance, eliminating stairs and enhancing the flow between the galleries and outdoor spaces. Two galleries will be free to the public, while admission will be required for the basement levels and upper stories. Additionally, the removal of fences around the sculpture garden will allow visitors to engage directly with nature and art, creating a seamless connection to Balboa Park.

Feldman also aims to make the museum’s operations more transparent. Two visible vaults will allow visitors to observe staff as they frame and prepare exhibits. Inspired by programs at the V&A Museum in London, she hopes to introduce appointment-based viewings of collection pieces not currently on display. “This is your museum. This is your collection,” Feldman asserts, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of ownership among visitors.

The proposed design by Foster + Partners is ambitious, but it must navigate various permitting challenges, particularly since Balboa Park is city-managed. While the museum has not disclosed estimated construction costs or funding sources, previous renovations in the area provide some context; the nearby Mingei International Museum underwent a $55 million makeover in 2021, while the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego completed a $105 million renovation in 2022.

If all goes according to plan, construction could commence in 2026 and be completed by 2030. However, the project has faced criticism. The San Diego Architectural Foundation awarded the museum’s plan a “big-time onion” for historic preservation concerns, arguing that the proposal could overlook more sensitive design solutions. Nonetheless, the project received recognition last year with the Signature Project Design Award for Museum Renovation from the Design Forward Alliance during San Diego Design Week.

As the museum prepares to tackle these challenges, Feldman remains optimistic. After over a decade at SDMA, she is eager to see the project through to completion before her retirement, stating, “It’s a project, but it’s doable.” The museum’s vision not only aims to enhance its facilities but also to redefine its role within the community, ensuring that art remains a vital part of San Diego’s cultural landscape.