new center marks the first u.s. project designed by london architect zaha hadid
the contemporary arts center (cac) will opened its groundbreaking new building to the public on saturday, may 31, 2003, providing a new home that will serve as a unique catalyst for the center’s pioneering programming. designed by the london firm of zaha hadid architects, the new lois & richard rosenthal center for contemporary art will extend the cac’s 63-year tradition of innovation by encouraging viewers, artists and art to interact in new ways within a presenting space. with the move to hadid’s provocative, inviting new building, located at cincinnati’s busiest intersection, the center will also become one of the most centrally-located contemporary art institutions in the nation, projecting the cac’s mission to present fresh, compelling and challenging art and ideas into the very heart of the city.
the rosenthal center will be the first free-standing home for the cac, one of the first institutions in the nation dedicated to contemporary art, and it will provide a dynamic landmark for downtown cincinnati. its debut next spring will continue the cac’s history of visionary programming that includes being the first institution in the region to present the art of pablo picasso, juan gris, nancy graves, john cage, amadeo modigliani, david smith, bill t. jones, jackie winsor, phillip glass, cindy sherman, jenny holzer and jim dine, among others. the new center marks architect zaha hadid’s first commission in the u.s. and the first art museum in the country designed by a woman.
“this new building will make the contemporary arts center the most accessible institution of its kind in the nation, moving contemporary art away from the fringes and literally bringing it into the life of our city and its residents,” said charles desmarais, alice and harris weston director of the cac.
“zaha hadid’s appreciation and understanding of contemporary art and of the center’s commitment to engaging a diverse public is integral to her design. the brilliant result is an environment that will encourage a challenging, playful dialogue between the city and the museum, the artists and the space, and the art and the audiences we serve.”
the cac is dedicated to presenting new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media. it does not have a permanent collection. because the center’s focus is on organizing changing exhibitions and performances, it offers its audiences entirely new experiences with each programming cycle. the new building will feature galleries of varying sizes and ceiling heights to accommodate the varied shapes, scales and media of contemporary art. these varying galleries connect and interlock like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, made up of solid structural elements and open spaces. hadid’s design will engage in a dialogue with the works of art, facilitating unique arrangements and installations that will make the experience of viewing art at the center distinct from the presentation of the same works at any other venue.
“the imminent completion of the new building marks the realization of our long-term goal to establish a permanent home commensurate with the center’s reputation and programming,” said mr. desmarais. “this stunning building will significantly strengthen our ability to make contemporary art available to the broadest spectrum of residents and visitors to the area. the location and design reflect the center’s vital role in the cincinnati community as an advocate of innovation, diversity and free inquiry. once completed, it will enhance our role not only in the region, but in the national and international art world as well.”
location: cincinnati, usa
architect: zaha hadid |
