Rubell Family Collection. New museum in Allapattah District of Miami designed by Selldorf Architects. Courtyard view. Courtesy Rubell Family Collection.
The Rubell Family Collection announces a planned move in 2018 to a new 100,000-square-foot museum set on a 2.5-acre campus in Miami’s Allapattah District. The planned move comes after 23 successful years in the RFC’s current, legendary 40,000-square-foot museum space in Miami’s Wynwood District. The new museum is designed by Selldorf Architects and is slated to open December 2018.
The Rubell Family Collection’s move is motivated by the desire to exhibit a greater proportion of the collection and expand the Collection's programming. Juan Valadez, Director of the Rubell Family Collection, stated, “The new museum will allow us to concurrently present four thematic exhibitions which will highlight historical works from the Collection as well as the Collection’s most recent acquisitions. In the new museum we will also greatly expand our education, research and studio residency programs.” The new museum will include 40 exhibition galleries, a research library, lecture hall, event space, visible storage facility and sculpture garden with plants native to South Florida, plus a restaurant from one of Miami's most significant food pioneers.
Annabelle Selldorf, the Principal of Selldorf Architects, states, “This project is unique in its collaborative approach between Selldorf Architects and the Rubell family. Our collective goal in the design was to define a space in which proportion and circulation are paramount to the essence of viewing and experiencing art. We strived to create rooms where our collective memory allowed us to say that these are great rooms to view art.” Mera Rubell states, “As a family, we enjoy the process of discovery, whether it's new artists or emerging neighborhoods. The Wynwood neighborhood — which was factories and warehouses when the Collection moved here 23 years ago — has become a major cultural destination populated by art galleries and institutions, restaurants and boutiques.” She adds, “It is time for us to reimagine our Foundation in a very exciting emerging neighborhood. We've purchased the new property, completed plans, and will begin construction shortly, with the goal of opening in time for Art Basel in Miami Beach 2018.” The Rubell Family Collection will sell their current 40,000-square-foot building—a former DEA warehouse for confiscated goods—in order to prepare for the move to the future space. The new museum, designed in collaboration with Allapattah-based McKenzie Construction, will act as a catalyst for an emerging cultural, fashion, and culinary neighborhood. “We look forward to working with various stakeholders in the area toward making this an authentic destination that seamlessly integrates into this vibrant community,” states Jason Rubell in discussing the future location. Beginning Wednesday, November 30th through Sunday, December 4th, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. a scale model of the new facility along with renderings of the buildings will debut at the Rubell Family Collection, 95 NW 29 St, Miami, Florida. |
