Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame

Overview

The Raclin Murphy Museum is the centerpiece of the University of Notre Dame’s initiative for increased support of the arts. The museum will replace the current Snite Museum of Art to host the University’s 31,000-item collection and will serve as a cultural hub for the arts on campus. At the center of the museum is a multi-height atrium that extends through all three floors, opening to a skylight.

We provided structural design services to Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA). The project will also include long-term, element-controlled storage for pieces not on display. The transfer of artwork will take place over two phases: The collection and museum personnel will remain at Snite until all aspects of construction have been completed.

Highlights

• The museum wanted maximum flexibility to house any type of art in the future. To provide the most economical solution, we worked with RAMSA and the University to determine the required design loads to maximize future flexibility while meeting the demands for the permanent exhibits.
• As phase one of the project, the building is designed to accommodate an atrium to connect with a future phase two building.
• The floorplates were designed to accommodate the weight of a forklift for moving larger works of art.