CMU School of Drama


Saturday, April 19, 2014

Andy Warhol Museum nearly done with repurposing, redesign

TribLIVE: If you haven't been to the Andy Warhol Museum recently, it's time for a second look.
After 20 years in its North Shore home, the museum is nearing completion of a project to redesign and repurpose its galleries and public spaces with a new vision and visitor-friendly exhibits.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I went to the Warhol a few months ago in November and recognize some of the renovations listed here while others aren't familiar to me. When I did visit last, the layout and design of each floor was very nice and looked recent. There is a logical flow through the museum and technology is used very well, especially to showcase Warhol's digital media. I am very interested in seeing a recreated version of Warhol's studio, that sounds very fascinating. In an art class I am taking, our professor told us of an artist who focused solely on depicting artists' studios. From looking at the layout of and works in a studio, I believe much can be garnered about the artist's process and the development of the work. It would be interesting to know if a work was completed beginning to end or if different pieces' creation overlapped. The Exploding Plastic Inevitable and 70 touchscreens were not there when I visited so I am interested to see these. The collection of his family's art and a description of his early life in Pittsburgh would be very interesting to see. The "capsules" that are in the archives part of the museum are very interesting and I look forward to those becoming more available to the public.

AnnaAzizzyRosati said...

It's great that the Warhol is getting so much active attention and I'm sure the renovations will be wonderful, however it is a bit worrisome. Especially if the renovators are trying to make the space more "family-friendly." Of course, that term can be broadly defined, But it makes me think of things that will attract a kid's attention. (Interactive pieces, bold, bright lettering.) Hopefully the works themselves will not be compromised or distracted from. I do, however, see many benefits of the Warhol's tactics, especially in regards to keeping the work "fresh." Because the museum is dedicated to one artist who is obviously no longer making art, I imagine people can be "over" going through the museum after about 3 times. However, by frequently changing out the locations, the viewer can experience the work with an altered environment and perspective each time they return.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I have never been to the Warhol Museum, but it sounds like something that I would like to visit. Museums are an interesting thing by themselves. Art museums are meant for the collection and display of famous or important art work, but the buildings and galleries themselves sometimes become works of art in the effort to more effectively display to art work, It seems kind of roundabout.

Dan Miele said...

During my almost two years in Pittsburgh, I have still yet to visit the Warhol, although it is definitely on my short list of things to do when I actually have some free time. Upon hearing of the new elements being added, it only makes me more interested to see what the museum really is like. I am curious whether or not all of the new additions enhance or detract from the experience of immersing yourself in the art of Warhol. Anna does make a good point, that a museum dedicated to a singular artist could seem to get stale on repeat visits without some sort of refresh.

Trent Taylor said...

I went to the warhol museum a few years back on a trip to pittsburgh and I liked it but more than anything I was kind of underwhelmed by the collection. I like that they explored some of his lesser known work in his museum, but I was hoping to also see some of the more famous pieces mixed in. I understand that these are mostly in contemporary galleries at major museums but it would be nice if they had a few. Because of this, I'm glad that with the renovation, they have the idea to rotate the collection and maybe bring some more interesting stuff into light, but i still think that theyre going to have the issue that theyre missing most of the well know art.

Carolyn Mazuca said...

Like Michael, I went to the Warhol museum in November too. I was very impressed with they way the museum was organized and put together. I didn't realize that it was undergoing renovations when I was there though. I believe they already had the new lobby, larger store, and room of films. I am definitely interested in going back! This time, probably at a time where i have more time to explore and observe. The recreated version of Warhol's studio sounds like something I especially wouldn't want to miss.

Unknown said...

I went to the Warhol at the beginning of the school year for a class project and was amazed by the breadth and scope of the work housed inside. Andy Warhol simply produced an amazing amount of content during his working years. That being said, once I finished for the day, I didn't really feel the need to come back. I felt that I had seen the sights and was ready to move on. That being said, I'm intrigued by the renovation. Maybe I'll have to go back for some added perspective.