Art Institute announces Grainger Center for Conservation and Science

The Art Institute of Chicago has announced plans for the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, the first purpose-built comprehensive conservation center in the museum’s history. Planned to be state of the art and fully programmed, designed, and built specifically to suit the needs of the museum’s conservation team, the project represents the first major renovation of conservation space in more than 25 years.

Conservation is central to the museum’s mission, and the Art Institute has always been on the forefront of conservation work, hiring the museum’s first paintings conservator in 1956. Since that first hire nearly 70 years ago, the conservation team has grown to a team of 40 nationally and internationally renowned specialists in twelve distinct fields of care across all areas of the collection. 

Designed by architecture firm Barozzi Veiga, the new center will be 25,000 square feet, more than doubling the square footage of integrated space for conservators across departments to collaborate, conduct research, teach, and preserve our collection. The space will be built within the museum’s existing footprint, resulting in some galleries moving and collections being redistributed throughout the museum. This is all part of a long-term campus evolution that will better showcase the collection and ultimately improve visitor experience. 

“This is the most important update and enhancement in conservation science at the Art Institute since the establishment of the department 70 years ago,” said Francesca Casadio, vice president and Grainger Executive Director, Conservation and Science. “This will allow us to elevate our research and enhance care for the collection but also bring visitors in on the processes and the work we do every day. We are thankful to the Grainger Foundation, whose exceptional philanthropy has supported our advancements in conservation and science, our staff, and technology over the last several decades, and now is making this next major step possible.”

The new Grainger Center will feature a permanent gallery dedicated to showcasing conservation innovations, insights, and processes for visitors to see. The design will allow visitors to observe conservators treating works, offering a behind-the-scenes look with a rotating calendar of special exhibitions specific to conservation. 

Construction on the new Grainger Center is scheduled to begin this spring with the opening planned for Fall 2027. Barozzi Veiga will work in partnership with Interactive Design Architects and Samuel Anderson Architects to realize this functional and dynamic space.