Barnes Foundation’s Philadelphia campus is home to private, world-class art collection
UNION CITY, Ind., May 24, 2012 — The grand opening of the Barnes Foundation Philadelphia campus was held on May 19, 2012, setting off an inaugural week of free admission for the public to the renowned art collection and entire campus, culminating with a Memorial Day weekend offering a variety of entertainment and programs, including a festival.
The 93,000-square-foot building, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, provides substantial accommodations for the Barnes Foundation’s programs in art education and for temporary art exhibitions. Additionally, the building will house the world-class Barnes art collection, one of the most valuable private art collections in the world.
One of the key elements in the design of the museum was the flooring; it had to be stable and durable enough to support many years of public wear, while being aesthetically true to the vision of the architects. More than 30,000 square feet of flooring was manufactured using FSC-certified quartersawn white oak from Frank Miller Lumber. The floor was installed in a unique pattern at the Barnes Museum by Pennsylvania Flooring, a division of ReSource New Jersey Commercial Flooring. Designers often choose quartersawn white oak for its strength, stability and distinctive beauty.
Frank Miller was a part of the project from the outset, keeping the hardwood supply on track and helping the architects implement their visions.
“By allowing Frank Miller to be involved early in the design process, we were able to effectively meet the needs of the flooring manufacturer, the flooring installer and the specifications established by the architects,” said Criswell Davis, architectural marketing manager, Frank Miller. “It’s exciting to be a part of such an architecturally and culturally significant building.”
Dan Hackett, president and CEO of Frank Miller, echoed those sentiments. “It has been an honor to have our hardwoods included in the design of the Barnes Collection Museum. We know the public and the art community worldwide will enjoy the museum for many years to come.”
About Frank Miller Lumber (www.frankmiller.com)
Frank Miller helps architects and designers realize the elegance and durability of quartersawn hardwoods in the most distinctive architectural endeavors. Established in 1903 and located in Union City, Indiana, Frank Miller produces exceptionally fine quartersawn and plain sawn hardwoods for manufacturers of fine furniture, cabinets, architectural millwork and flooring. Frank Miller’s quartersawn products are used in high-end commercial and residential construction around the globe where there is a significant architectural/design element to the project’s cabinets, millwork and flooring.