The Dubuque Museum of Art has officially relocated to a temporary space in the city's Historic Millwork District, marking a significant milestone in the institution's journey toward building a new permanent facility. The museum, now operating as "DuMA in the Millwork District," has taken residence in the Dupaco Voices Building at 1000 Jackson Street, where it will continue operations while its new campus is under construction.
On an overcast morning in the Millwork District, the scene captures both endings and beginnings as a Mayflower truck loads the last pieces of furniture while artist Mauricio Ramirez works on a vibrant large-scale mural titled "Flight of Memory." The juxtaposition of moving activity and artistic creation symbolizes the museum's transition to its temporary home, made possible through an in-kind donation from Dupaco Community Credit Union.
Museum Executive Director Gary Stoppelman describes the move as being about change and continuation rather than waiting. "It's about the continuation of a process and not waiting while that process continues to unfold," he explained. The relocation comes in conjunction with the groundbreaking scheduled for October 28 for the museum's new permanent facility at 701 Locust Street, with completion expected in 2027.
The Dupaco Voices Building carries its own rich history, having been constructed in 1924 as part of Carr, Ryder & Adams Manufacturing Company. From 2006 to 2015, it housed "Voices from the Warehouse District," an artist collective that featured monthly exhibitions and diverse programming. Dupaco began redeveloping the space in 2019 and moved into its headquarters there in 2020.
Dupaco Chief Marketing Officer David Klavitter sees the museum's temporary residence as coming "full circle." He noted that "Voices from the Warehouse District was one of the first ways we saw a reimagined use of this space, and from that, look what developed. In a way, it's like coming full circle. We can't wait for people to come and see, firsthand, what's possible in a community when a community comes together."
The museum began its relocation process in August, moving both offices and its permanent collection. However, Director of Advancement Emma Stapleton emphasized that this move represents a decade of planning. "It really began in 2016, when our board of directors asked the question of what was possible for this organization," she said. "This temporary stop is one more step forward toward that vision."
The new permanent campus plans emerged from a 2022 building operational feasibility study conducted by AEA Consulting and Straka Johnson Architects P.C. The announced 2023 design will feature a gross floor area of 47,159 square feet with an additional 10,000 square feet of outdoor space, nearly quadrupling the footprint of the current Locust Street location, which occupies a former bank building.
Funding for the ambitious project comes through the museum's capital campaign with a goal of $89 million - $69 million toward construction costs and $20 million for the organization's endowment fund. The budget also includes $450,000 for the build-out of the temporary 13,200-square-foot space on the Millwork District location's first floor. This investment honors the warehouse's historic architecture while adding humidity and climate-controlled museum-quality galleries, office space, and adequate storage and preparation areas for future exhibitions.
Stoppelman emphasized the intentional nature of this investment, stating, "Our board of directors believed it was an important step in the process to continue providing programming and creating a dialogue in the community while the construction of our new facility was taking place." The temporary space already offers significant upgrades, providing opportunities for both indoor and outdoor exhibitions and programming while contributing to the Historic Millwork District's ongoing development.
The museum space comes alive with artistic activity as artist Jill Wells installs "The Gradients," an outdoor art piece featuring colorful vinyl strips that create rainbow light patterns when the sun breaks through. Meanwhile, Ramirez continues work on his indoor mural, creating a dynamic environment that showcases both established and emerging artistic voices.
Stapleton describes the temporary location as "a wonderful confluence of past, present and future, and of artists, generations and perspectives." She added that "it gives us a unique opportunity to reimagine what is possible, not only in new programming, but also in our permanent collection."
The museum will christen its new space with its annual gala, featuring the installations by Wells and Ramirez. An official opening celebration is scheduled for October 11, coinciding with two major exhibitions: "In Conversation: Will Wilson" and "Threads of Belonging." The space will also host the annual Latinx Fiesta from 1 to 7 p.m. on October 11.
While neither museum nor Dupaco officials have determined the future use of the space once DuMA relocates to its permanent facility, both organizations hope it will serve as a blueprint for future community partnerships. Stoppelman expressed his excitement about welcoming the community to the space, particularly first-time museum visitors. "I'm not sure I can put into words the excitement we feel about this step in the process and about being able to welcome the community into this space - and, for some, maybe into the museum for the first time. And what better expression to welcome them than art?"
