January 2011.

International “green” architect Chad Oppenheim completed the new entrance for the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach. The rejuvenated entrance was officially unveiled during a ceremony on December 2010 celebrating the opening of Collins Park - one of the city’s new living rooms.

Oppenheim’s design reconnects the museum to the community. The door literally opens it to the new park, beachfront view and setting amidst Miami Beach’s cultural and social centers. The new entry to Bass’ world-class collection of art solidifies it as the center and anchor of “arts park,” between New World Symphony’s Frank Gehry-designed building and Miami City Ballet.

A tropical-modernistic redesign finally provides a free-flowing and organic marriage between the institution, luxury resorts, Collins Park and Miami Beach, while acknowledging and facilitating its present and future needs as a serious museum of art that is highly in touch with its community.

The challenge for Oppenheim was to develop a strategy within architect Arata Isozaki’s addition from 2001 and the historical context of the 1930’s museum that was Miami’s first public building with an exhibition space. The result of which is an enhancement of the overall experience of circulation through the museum and it’s exhibition spaces, as well as the museum’s operational flow using the most efficient and functional means.

Oppenheim Architecture + Design (OAD) is an architecture, interior design and planning firm with offices in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and Basel. Founded by Chad Oppenheim, OAD specializes in creating powerful and pragmatic solutions and has worldwide experience in hospitality, office, high-rise and single family residential, retail and mixed-use design, as well as the complete master planning and design of new cities and complete ecosystems.

Bass Museum of Art
2100 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.673.7530
www.bassmuseum.org