Johnston Marklee Unveils Bass Museum Expansion Plans
The Miami Beach institution reveals new design plans for a 22,000-square-foot expansion featuring elevated pavilions.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Fine Art
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Architects Johnston Marklee have unveiled designs for a significant expansion to the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach. The project will add 22,000 square feet to the existing museum campus.
Why it matters
The design prioritizes climate resiliency by elevating structures to mitigate floodwater risks in the coastal environment. This expansion aims to increase public access to the museum's growing collection and programs.
The expansion encompasses 22,000 square feet of new gallery and landscape space. This adds to the existing structure, which originally functioned as a 1930s library designed by Russell Pancoast.
The players
Johnston Marklee
This is an internationally recognized architecture firm known for its focus on material innovation and civic-minded design projects.
Bass Museum of Art
This Miami Beach museum is a contemporary art institution housed within a historic Art Deco building located in Collins Park.
Russell Pancoast
He was a prominent architect who designed the original library building that currently serves as the foundation for the Bass Museum.
The details
The plan features two rectangular pavilions placed on a thin, elevated concrete plane to protect against floodwater. Perforations are integrated into the facade at the top of the structures and courtyard walls, with a backlit oculus positioned at the project center.
Timeline
1930s: Russell Pancoast designed the original library building.
1942: The original Art Deco library design was completed.
1964: The Bass Museum of Art officially opened to the public.
October 21, 2026: Johnston Marklee unveiled the expansion design plans.
Industry Dynamics
The expansion follows the industry trend of institutions balancing historic preservation with the need for modern, climate-resilient gallery space. By integrating elevated designs into the campus, the museum aligns with evolving infrastructure standards for cultural venues in flood-prone zones.
Visitors can expect increased opportunities to engage with museum programs once the expansion is complete. The added landscape garden areas will provide new outdoor spaces for public interaction within the Collins Park vicinity.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how historic cultural sites can integrate modern sustainability features to ensure long-term viability. Residents and visitors should look for future announcements regarding community accessibility during the construction phases.
Further reading
Discover more about current exhibitions and institutional growth in the Fine Art section.
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