First Phase of Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s Construction Begins

Cedar Rapids, Iowa—On August 5, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art began the first phase of its Reinvention with work on its exterior along 3rd Avenue. Over the course of construction planned through the beginning of November, the entry ramp will be replaced by a new stepped entrance. Removing the ramp will also allow for new Museum plazas for outdoor seating and sculpture.
 
The media and public are invited to join us as we kick off construction on Monday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m. Special guests Tom DeBoom, whose name was selected by lottery, and Executive Director Emeritus Terry Pitts will be swinging the sledgehammer at the 3rd Avenue ramp.
 
“We are excited to launch this first phase of the project and execute the exterior work before winter weather begins. We have raised just over one million dollars so far, thanks to the support of many corporations and individuals in the community. We are working hard to raise the remaining $700,000 to move onto the next phase. This exterior work is just the first phase of our plan to Reinvent, Rejuvenate and Revitalize the Museum,” Interim Director and Curator Sean Ulmer said.
 
In the next phases, the interior Carnegie Education Wing will begin its Rejuvenation. The Carnegie interior itself with be refreshed and a new, free children’s activity center called Imagination Isle will be constructed. New energy-saving skylights and a roof will also be installed, as well as other repairs and improvements.
 
The Museum will continue to be open for normal visiting hours during the construction. Entrances to the Museum atrium will be closed from both sides of the building, but signs will be placed to help guide visitors to either the Carnegie doors (near the Museum store) on the 3rd Avenue side, or the Education Entrance on the 2nd Avenue side. The Education Entrance has wheelchair access and there is a free parking lot on the 2nd Avenue side of the building. 
 
More information about the 3RD Capital Campaign which allows for this construction to take place is available at www.crma.org or by contacting Sean Ulmer at 319.366.7503 or sulmer@crma.org.