Middlebury College has unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art museum designed by Allied Works, a renowned architectural firm with expertise in cultural and educational projects. The museum will be situated near the existing Battell Hall as part of a larger initiative to reimagine the campus’s north side. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the project is set to transform the role of the arts at Middlebury and beyond.
A Vision for Arts and Democracy
The new museum aligns with Middlebury College’s mission to integrate the arts into its academic and residential life, emphasising their power to inspire democratic engagement and public discourse. By expanding accessibility to the college’s extensive collection of over 7,000 artworks, the museum will provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking.
The project also seeks to position the arts as a catalyst for meaningful participation in public life. Its design will include flexible spaces for exhibitions, teaching, and hands-on object study, enabling students and faculty to explore cultural and historical contexts while fostering creativity and innovation.
Creating an ‘Arts Agora’
The museum’s location adjacent to key arts and academic buildings will establish a centralised “arts agora.” This dynamic space is envisioned as a hub for assembly, creativity, and public interaction, providing opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with the arts in transformative ways.
The design will incorporate outdoor spaces for music, performances, and exhibitions, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. By integrating the museum with its surroundings, Middlebury aims to create an accessible and inviting space for all.
Allied Works: A Proven Partner in Museum Design
Allied Works, an architectural firm with studios in Brooklyn and Portland, has been selected to lead the project. Known for its innovative and collaborative approach, the firm has an impressive portfolio that includes the Clyfford Still Museum, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State.
The design process will be guided by Allied Works founder Brad Cloepfil and principal Chelsea Grassinger, with Middlebury-based McLeod Architects serving as the college’s representative. McLeod Architects’ principal, John McLeod, brings local expertise and experience from recent campus projects, ensuring the museum reflects Middlebury’s unique identity.
Supporting Teaching and Sustainability
The new museum will double the exhibition and teaching spaces available on campus, providing an enhanced environment for education across disciplines. Dedicated spaces for object study will allow students to engage directly with artworks and artefacts, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic and cultural histories.
Middlebury’s commitment to sustainability will be a cornerstone of the project. The museum will adhere to the highest environmental standards, incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices while maintaining thoughtful connections to the natural landscape.
Fundraising Progress and Timeline
To date, Middlebury College has raised nearly £28 million toward the estimated £40 million required for design and construction, with an additional £4 million targeted for operational endowments. The museum’s timeline includes design and permitting beginning in 2025, with construction starting in 2027 and completion slated for 2028.
A Transformative Step for Middlebury
The new art museum represents a bold step forward in Middlebury’s commitment to the arts. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, democratic engagement, and sustainable design, the museum will enrich the college’s academic environment and serve as a model for integrating arts into public and academic life.
This project underscores Middlebury’s dedication to the transformative potential of the arts, creating a space that inspires, educates, and connects its community on a global scale.
