# ICA Miami Selects Gensler for Major Museum Expansion Project The institution will renovate a newly acquired building to double its exhibition space. - **Source:** [The Art Newspaper](https://www.theartnewspaper.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ded829b8-16b7-4572-aa22-9a1760f7b81b ## Museum Expansion Strategy The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami has appointed global architecture firm Gensler to renovate a 30,000-square-foot facility. Acquired in 2024 for $25 million, the building sits near the museum's current Design District venue. This project effectively doubles the institution's total exhibition and public programming space, marking a significant milestone for the museum. ## Historical Site Transformation The new site formerly housed the De la Cruz Collection, which ceased operations following the 2024 death of co-founder Rosa de la Cruz. Since the acquisition, the building has primarily facilitated educational programs. Construction will force a temporary closure of the site as the museum transitions into a multi-site cultural complex. ## Permanent Collection Display For the first time, the museum will dedicate two full floors to its permanent collection, which currently includes over 2,000 works. Eight new galleries will be integrated into the structure. Director Alex Gartenfeld plans to refresh these displays every six months to highlight recent acquisitions and maintain a dynamic, story-driven narrative approach. ## Public Programming Focus The entire third floor of the renovated building is reserved for public engagement and community outreach. This space will host lectures, symposia, and live performances to foster local exchange. Gensler’s design aims to strengthen the museum’s ability to support artists while creating a platform for belonging in Miami’s vibrant cultural landscape. ## Architectural Design Elements Gensler’s design features a reimagined façade incorporating transparent components to connect street-level traffic with the museum interior. The renovation also prioritizes visitor accessibility and experience through a redesigned lobby. These structural changes are intended to create a more collective, open environment that invites the public into the museum’s contemporary art space. ## Outdoor Social Spaces Beyond the interior galleries, the project includes reconfigured outdoor areas designed for social interaction. Plans feature a dedicated sculpture deck and an expanded café to enhance the visitor experience. These amenities are part of a broader effort to transform the museum into a multi-site complex that encourages extended stays and community. ## Funding and Timeline The renovation is supported by a $40 million capital campaign funded entirely through private contributions. The project is scheduled to open in late 2027, coinciding with the museum's tenth anniversary at its current location. This timeline reflects the institution's commitment to steady growth and long-term sustainability within the competitive Miami art market. ## Broader Institutional Context This project follows a trend of significant museum expansions across the United States, including the recent $100 million renovation of Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum. As institutions face pressure to modernize, the ICA Miami’s focus on permanent collections and public programming highlights a shift toward more community-centric, accessible, and sustainable cultural infrastructure. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/11/05/ica-miami-taps-gensler-to-renovate-new-building — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._