As a project to be completed in phases over the course of eight years, the renovation and expansion of the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio, offered up unique challenges to creating an articulate and adaptable lighting design.
The 1930’s Beaux Arts-style building demanded a lighting solution that would both venerate the remarkable interiors and fulfill the demands of a forward-thinking institution. Track lighting systems, adaptable to both historic corridors and renewed galleries, provide high-quality artwork illumination to the institution’s diverse collection. Rear-illuminated faux skylights provide fully dimmed ambient light to augment accent where it occurs. Linear uplights integrated within suspended systems provide soft revelation to the refurbished vaulted ceilings. An assortment of restored original architectural pendants are respectfully integrated with the modern lighting. The building’s 1930s Arts façade and entry portico was made visible after nightfall for the first timeusing a sensitive light wash and highlighting scheme.