The Kimbell opened in 1972 and was designed by famed architect Louis I. Kahn. It is widely regarded as one of the best examples of classic modern architecture anywhere and his crown jewel of design. The Museum was awarded the American Institute of Architects 25 Year Award, 1990.
The museum has a generous art endowment for art acquisition and new art is being purchased on an ongoing basis.
Use of Natural Light and Space Enhance the Art
The design of the building incorporates skylights which disperse light down the curvature of the cycloid-shaped vaulted walls, adding a natural luminosity to the museum. The walls of the building inside are lined with travertine. The building’s craftsmanship and airiness create a wonderful place to showcase art and spend an afternoon.
The Museum’s Permanent Collection
The museum’s permanent art collection is small with less than 350 pieces of art, but the emphasis is on obtaining high quality pieces and important works of art and not in the size of the collection. The Kimbell’s collection includes antiquities from 3000 B.C to mid twentieth century works that include Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Goya, Caravaggio, Velázquez among many others.
The European works are unusually plentiful from the Italian Renaissance period, and it has a distinguished collection of art from the 17th century. A new noteworthy acquisition is what scholars believe to be Michelangelo’s first painting, “ The Torment of Saint Anthony.” It’s believed he painted it when he was twelve or thirteen.
American art is not part of the collection as the neighboring Amon Carter Museum focuses on American art, along with its splendid art from Western masters.
World Class Exhibitions are Frequent
The Kimbell is fortunate to host world-class art exhibits frequently. From the celebrated Impressionist & Post-Impressionist Masterpieces: the Courtauld Collection to Monet on the Mediterranean, to the extraordinary Renoir to Picasso Exhibit, the Kimbell has hosted and continues to share great traveling art with North Texas and the Southwest.
Future Expansion for the Museum
A major expansion to the museum is scheduled to break ground in 2010 and be completed in 2012. The architect with the design chosen is Renzo Piano, who worked with Louise Kahn as a young architect and has designed several other museums, among them the acclaimed Nasher Sculpture Center in neighboring Dallas.
The expansion will be similar in height and scale to the current building and use travertine and concrete materials just like the Kimbell. The new addition will approximately double the gallery space and will allow ample space for exhibitions and the full permanent collection. The current space limitations do not meet that need.
The Kimbell certainly deserves a visit, not only for the quality of the collection, but to experience the stunning architecture and serene space.
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Rick McBride - I'm a Software Developer with a global company and a part time artist and writer. I love researching, writing articles and helping people ...
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