The Nasher Sculpture Center

The site, located in downtown Dallas’s Arts District, is surrounded by the city’s major cultural institutions. Previously a parking lot bordered by rectilinear roads and set between a skyscraper and an underground freeway, the area was transformed into a serene “museum-garden” to contrast with the surrounding urban landscape. The client requested a quiet, contemplative space amid the bustling skyscrapers, leading to the design of a museum that provides an oasis in the heart of the city.

The 5,000-square-meter building consists of five identical, parallel rectangular pavilions defined by Italian travertine walls. Inside, the stone is polished, while the exterior has been textured with high-pressure water jets to create an aged, weathered look, evoking the feeling of natural erosion over centuries. Large windows form the facades at each pavilion’s end, creating transparent partitions that extend views from the interiors into the garden and toward the roadway, establishing a visual connection between the museum and its surroundings.

The museum is constructed on two levels, with the ground floor’s three central arcades dedicated to housing sculptures and paintings most sensitive to environmental conditions. The lateral arcades on this level contain visitor amenities, such as a cafeteria, a shop, and offices. This layout keeps the art well-protected while making the museum experience convenient for visitors.

On the lower level, a smaller gallery exhibits light-sensitive works, including prints and drawings, alongside preservation labs, research and teaching spaces, and an auditorium. This auditorium opens onto a terraced garden, creating an outdoor theater that seamlessly integrates with the museum’s natural surroundings. A mobile facade allows the space to be versatile, supporting both indoor and outdoor performances for a unique cultural experience.