As the architect of record, Multistudio played a critical role in bringing Kyu Sung Woo’s vision to life, ensuring the museum’s integration with both the campus and the surrounding landscape.

The museum’s design is rooted in material authenticity and bold structural expression. Clad in locally sourced Kansas limestone, the building establishes a strong connection to the region’s geological history. Expansive glass facades maximize transparency, creating a seamless dialogue between interior exhibition spaces and the surrounding campus.

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A striking 22-foot cantilever extends over the museum’s entrance, reinforcing the institution’s contemporary character. This bold architectural move is further elevated by Leo Villareal’s LED installation, Microcosm, which transforms the museum into a glowing beacon at night.

The museum features 11,000 SF of gallery space for temporary shows, permanent exhibitions, and special events with local and national artists. Rift sawn white oak floors give the galleries warmth and scale, and limestone floors define the public spaces and the stairs. Natural light from clerestory windows bathe walls in natural light, enhancing the viewing experience while blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor environments.

Emphasizing its commitment to learning, the museum features 5,400 SF of supporting academic spaces, including a 200-seat auditorium, classrooms, and administrative offices. Loading facilities and ample art storage help accommodate a constantly growing permanent collection.

Retaining walls and carefully designed exterior spaces weave the building into the landscape, while a 3000 SF double-height atrium wrapped in perforated metal fosters a sense of openness and connection between the museum, the adjacent technology center, and an internal sequence of courtyards.

The Nerman Museum is a place of inspiration, education, and community engagement. With a design that balances bold architectural expression with functionality, the institution stands as a testament to how contemporary design can elevate cultural spaces. Through its role as AOR, our team ensured that this vision was not only realized but deeply embedded within the fabric of the campus community and region.