A new art museum has emerged on the prestigious Princeton University campus in New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the academic community. The imposing structure, designed by David Adjaye, appears unassuming from the outside - a cluster of grey concrete bunkers with vertical ribs that evoke a sense of fortitude and protection.
But within, lies a treasure trove of over 117,000 art pieces spanning 3,000 years of history, from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary sculpture. The museum's director, James Steward, reveals the master plan behind this ambitious project: "We want people to get productively lost." A maze-like layout forces visitors to wander and discover unexpected connections between artworks.
Adjaye has faced controversy in recent years over allegations of sexual assault and harassment. However, no charges were brought against him, and Princeton University distanced itself from the scandal by handing over coordination to Cooper Robertson architects.
The new museum is a testament to collaboration and expertise. Marc McQuade, Erin Flynn, and Ron McCoy have coaxed an incredible place that revels in its spatial effects and material details. The grand hall boasts colossal concrete buttresses, wooden glulam beams, and skylights above - an echo of Louis Kahn's Yale Center for British Art.
Throughout the galleries, colours play a vital role. A deliberate choice to move away from white cube displays since the 1980s, colour is used as a means of grappling with the design flaws of its predecessor building. The result is a space that encourages serendipity and chance encounters between visitors and artworks.
This groundbreaking project shines a light on Adjaye's capabilities at scale - a contrast to his previous institutional works which have often been underwhelming. With no clear hierarchy or order, Princeton University Art Museum invites exploration on all levels. As one enters the space, a colossal mosaic by artist Nick Cave greets the visitor with an inviting gesture of welcome.
Whether it is the lead architects' expertise, the contractors' precision, and the client's exacting standards that have led to this success remains a mystery - but for now, the Princeton University Art Museum stands as an exemplary model of what can be achieved through collaboration and vision.
But within, lies a treasure trove of over 117,000 art pieces spanning 3,000 years of history, from ancient Roman mosaics to contemporary sculpture. The museum's director, James Steward, reveals the master plan behind this ambitious project: "We want people to get productively lost." A maze-like layout forces visitors to wander and discover unexpected connections between artworks.
Adjaye has faced controversy in recent years over allegations of sexual assault and harassment. However, no charges were brought against him, and Princeton University distanced itself from the scandal by handing over coordination to Cooper Robertson architects.
The new museum is a testament to collaboration and expertise. Marc McQuade, Erin Flynn, and Ron McCoy have coaxed an incredible place that revels in its spatial effects and material details. The grand hall boasts colossal concrete buttresses, wooden glulam beams, and skylights above - an echo of Louis Kahn's Yale Center for British Art.
Throughout the galleries, colours play a vital role. A deliberate choice to move away from white cube displays since the 1980s, colour is used as a means of grappling with the design flaws of its predecessor building. The result is a space that encourages serendipity and chance encounters between visitors and artworks.
This groundbreaking project shines a light on Adjaye's capabilities at scale - a contrast to his previous institutional works which have often been underwhelming. With no clear hierarchy or order, Princeton University Art Museum invites exploration on all levels. As one enters the space, a colossal mosaic by artist Nick Cave greets the visitor with an inviting gesture of welcome.
Whether it is the lead architects' expertise, the contractors' precision, and the client's exacting standards that have led to this success remains a mystery - but for now, the Princeton University Art Museum stands as an exemplary model of what can be achieved through collaboration and vision.
just read about the new art museum at Princeton Uni 
and I'm low-key impressed 
the grey concrete bunker exterior is giving me some serious industrial vibes but inside it's like a whole different world 
117k+ pieces of art? that's insane! 
also, love how they're all about creating this maze-like layout to get people lost in the space 
who wouldn't want that? 
On one hand, it's amazing to see such a huge collection of art pieces all under one roof, and the maze-like layout sounds super interesting - who doesn't love getting productively lost in a sweet space? 
Plus, the collaboration between architects seems on point. But, I mean, David Adjaye's got some baggage from past controversies... 
And what about the fact that Princeton University kinda dodged the issue with Cooper Robertson architects? 
Still, for now, it looks like they've pulled off something incredible and I'm hyped to check it out when it opens!
The maze-like layout is like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie - you're literally encouraged to get productively lost in the galleries. 
And the colours! I love how they've moved away from that boring white cube vibe since the '80s, it's like a breath of fresh air. 
Like, imagine stumbling upon a Nick Cave mosaic and just being like... "WOW, WELCOME TO THE PARTY". 
Can't wait to see what exhibitions they have lined up for next! 
! And omg, I love how they're trying to get people to just chill and wander around the place - productively lost, right? 
It reminds me of when I visited that old IKEA store in Jersey and got lost for hours... was it 2015? 
Anyway, David Adjaye's designs are always so cool, but sorry dude, all those controversies don't exactly scream "talented artist" to me 
. Still, the museum looks straight fire 
- especially that grand hall with the buttresses and wood beams... it feels like something out of a Harry Potter movie 
!
Adjaye might've had some controversy, but this museum shows he can still bring it 
The attention to detail is insane 
Would love to see more of these kinds of projects in the future 
On the other hand, I think 117,000 art pieces is just crazy, how are they even gonna display all that? 
. Don't get me wrong, I love the treasure trove of art pieces and all, but I'm not sure if it's worth dealing with the potential chaos in the galleries 
.
And have you seen the colours they've used? It's like they're trying to make a statement about how we don't need that minimalist vibe anymore 
. I mean, I'm all for collaboration and expertise too, but some people just seem to magically produce genius works - maybe Adjaye got lucky this time? 
- who needs clear instructions when you're surrounded by masterpieces, right? 
And can we talk about the colossal concrete buttresses, wooden beams, and skylights - it's like walking into a work of art itself! 
I do feel bad for David Adjaye though, I hope he's doing okay after those allegations 
. But overall, this museum is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with expertise and passion 
. Can't wait to get my productively lost self there ASAP! 
! i mean, who wouldn't want to get productively lost in all that amazing art? it's like a treasure hunt on steroids 
. and the fact that they went against the traditional white cube display is genius - it's like they're saying, "hey, let's mix things up and create something new" 
. plus, it's awesome to see david adjaye's skills being put to use on such a massive scale (despite the controversy surrounding him). but honestly, i think that just shows how talented he is - and we shouldn't be too hung up on past mistakes, right? 
. anyway, if you ever find yourself in nj, make sure to check this museum out - it's definitely worth the trip 
.
, it's all about exploring and getting lost (in the best way possible)