Art museum to double its size by year 2012

The Columbus Museum of Art has just begun a multi-million dollar renovation project to be completed by 2012, its 20th anniversary as a historical building.

The museum, formerly known as the Columbus Gallery of Fine Arts, opened its doors Jan. 22, 1931. In 1992, it was added to the National Register of Historical Places.

Museum officials have discussed expansion for the last 20 years, but the project has finally begun. The expansion will increase the museum's size by 56 percent, adding a total of 150,000 square feet. The museum was last expanded in 1974.

The museum's collection contains pieces from early European and American art up to the modern period, including a permanent photography collection. The museum displays works from masters Picasso, Renoir and Carrivagio. The current exhibit showcases ancient Egyptian mortuary items, on loan from the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

With more space, museum administrators will be able to display more of the permanent collection. Currently, they only have room to display 10 percent of their 10,000 objects.

So far the museum has raised $47 million from donations to the Art Matters Campaign. The project is estimated to cost $80 million.

The museum is not rated among the best in the United States, but this project could change that.

"It's obvious that if we want Columbus to be an important culture center, we need a good strong museum," said Mark Corna, chairman of the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

There are three main goals for the renovation. One is to expand museum activities for the public. The endowment would allow as much as 25 percent of funding for the museum's activities.

The second is to have a competitive museum that sits in a position to attract the best national and international touring exhibits.

The third goal is to increase the public value.

"Public value is that intangible and invaluable role that we play in making central Ohio a great place to live, work and visit," said Nancy Colvin, public relations for the museum.

It has not yet been determined if ticket prices will increase. The museum will continue to admit patrons for no charge on Sundays and offer community days for special exhibitions.

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