The Art Institute of Chicago has announced plans for a major new conservation center that will give visitors an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at how the museum preserves its world-class art collection. The new facility, called the Grainger Center for Conservation & Science, will be located at the museum's main campus at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Loop district within Grant Park. As the nation's second-largest art museum, the Art Institute houses more than 300,000 pieces in its collection.

The ambitious project is being led by the museum in collaboration with Barcelona-based architecture firm Barozzi Veiga, which has been working closely with the institution for several years. The firm's previous work with the Art Institute includes developing a comprehensive master plan for the campus in 2019, creating expansion plans for a new wing in 2024, and redesigning the European design galleries this year.

The new conservation center represents a significant expansion of the museum's preservation capabilities. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the facility will double the museum's existing conservation space and bring together local and international conservation specialists under one roof for the first time. This consolidation will allow visitors to observe the intricate work of art conservation as it happens, providing educational opportunities that were previously unavailable.

To make room for the Grainger Center for Conservation & Science, the museum's temporary exhibit space, Regenstein Hall, will be relocated. According to WBEZ Chicago, the hall will temporarily move to the space formerly occupied by the Arts of Africa and Ancient Americas collections, with pieces from those collections being integrated into other exhibitions throughout the museum.

The new conservation center will feature much more than just workspace for conservators. The facility will include dedicated gallery space specifically focused on showcasing the conservation process and displaying works in progress, allowing visitors to understand the complex techniques used to preserve artworks. Additionally, the center will house state-of-the-art laboratories, offices for conservation staff, and a study center for research and educational purposes.

This project is part of a broader transformation at the Art Institute of Chicago. Museum officials plan to eventually provide a new permanent home for Regenstein Hall that will be more visible from the street, enhancing public access and engagement. The relocation will also trigger a larger reorganization of exhibits throughout the museum as part of the comprehensive master plan developed by Barozzi Veiga.

The $50 million conservation center is being funded entirely through donations and is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. This significant investment reflects the museum's commitment to both preserving its invaluable collection and educating the public about the importance of art conservation in maintaining cultural heritage for future generations.