SFMOMA – Snøhetta Expansion
Snøhetta · San Francisco, United States · 2016
Snøhetta's 2016 expansion gives SFMOMA a substantial new gallery body behind Mario Botta's earlier museum. Its pale, rippling exterior contrasts with the older building's brick and stone geometry while making the enlargement visible from the surrounding streets. Inside, new stairs, terraces and public spaces reorganize movement through the combined institution. The project is most revealing as a connection between two architectural generations: an existing urban museum is extended without requiring the new work to copy its original language. Visiting: Collection and special-exhibition admission is ticketed. The extension connects to Mario Botta's 1995 building.