Beginning in June 2023, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum will undergo renovation at its location on 50 E. Erie, which is an important part of the museum campus. This project aims to renew 32,000 square feet of former office space and transform it into a dynamic new Learning Center that includes art and maker studios, a study center with classrooms, a library and archive, redesigned office spaces, seminar rooms, and an 800-square foot outdoor terrace on the top floor. Additionally, the main auditorium space on the ground floor will be restored and enhanced with a magnificent design. The completion of this project is expected in February 2024.
The opening of the newly renovated museum will feature a full suite of new programming in alignment with the Driehaus Museum’s strategic vision. There will be a range of public and private activities and events for the community to enjoy. This renovation will enable the museum to be a more active and visible part of the community, in line with its strategic plan.
According to Interim Driehaus Executive Director Lisa Key, “It is thrilling for us to embark upon this important renovation which will create a new Museum campus, offering visitors not only an incredible museum of art, architecture, and design, but now a newly rejuvenated auditorium that will add a vital and dynamic public space to the cultural campus in Chicago that will continue to increase the historical profile of this great city of architecture.”
The city of Chicago is set to enhance its rich architectural history with a new project. Despite ongoing renovations, the Museum will remain open and retain the iconic exterior of the Murphy building. Visitors can still access all areas of the Museum using the available elevator.
“It was a huge relief to learn about the Driehaus Museum expanding its campus into the adjacent Murphy Memorial. There are not many options for finding an appropriate re-use that would respect the historic character of such a monumentally scaled historic building while at same time providing a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood,” said Tim Samuelson, the Cultural Historian Emeritus of the City of Chicago. “The Driehaus Museum has been a thoughtful community partner and valuable neighborhood asset for the past twenty years, and its expansion into the Murphy will make something great even greater!”
