Why Springfield deserves a world-class museum

January 20, 2026

Springfield’s vision for a world-class museum reflects a deep commitment to culture, civic identity, and long-term community vitality. Cultural institutions have the power to anchor downtowns, inspire learning, and create shared places that bring people together. This article, originally published by the Springfield Daily Citizen, captures the momentum and advocacy behind that vision. BNIM is proud to be part of this project and grateful to work alongside clients and community partners advocating for a world-class museum in Springfield.

Why Springfield Deserves a World-Class Museum

January 2026
Originally published by the Springfield Daily Citizen. Produced by the Springfield Art Museum

This Phase II rendering of the Springfield Art Museum exemplifies connections and opportunities, through expanded lobby spaces and extending the Hatch Lawn to the new West Wing, creating what amounts to an enormous outdoor room that further enhances connections to the Fassnight Creek Greenway Trail and Phelps Grove Park. (Photo provided by the Springfield Art Museum and BNIM Architecture)

For nearly a century, the Springfield Art Museum has served as a gathering place, a creative spark, and a cultural anchor for our city. As we move toward our 100th anniversary in 2028, we find ourselves looking ahead — not simply to celebrate a milestone, but to set the stage for our next century of service. We believe Springfield deserves an Art Museum worthy of its people, its talent, and its future, a place that continues to be a cultural resource for our community for generations to come for both residents and visitors alike.

That belief is at the heart of our expansion and renovation project — a multi-phase effort that is already underway and already transforming what the Museum can offer. But to finish the work our community has asked us to do, we need to complete Phase II. And now is the moment to do it.

During Phase I of the renovation, exterior changes to the Museum’s east side are minimal, with work focused on essential infrastructure. Phase II’s vision transforms this same façade along National Avenue into a light-filled, high-ceiling gallery with a semi-transparent exterior — creating a visible, outward-facing beacon for art and creativity. (Photos/renderings courtesy of the Springfield Art Museum and BNIM Architecture.)

A project shaped by community voices

This effort began long before any architectural drawings appeared. Across more than a decade of planning — through multiple strategic plans, the 2018 Master Plan, the development of Forward SGF, and our newest 2025–2029 Strategic Plan — Springfield residents have been remarkably consistent in what they want for their city and Museum:

People asked for bold and visionary ideas.
People asked for a Museum that serves as a regional cultural hub.
People asked for beautiful, inspiring public spaces and gathering places rooted in creativity and nature.
People asked for a strong “Quality of Place”
People said again and again that “good enough is not good enough.”

In short, the community set a high bar, and the Museum intends to meet it.

In 2020 during Forward SGF workshops, community members wrote over and over again they wanted to see bold and visionary ideas take shape around the Springfield Art Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Springfield Art Museum)

A Museum that elevates Springfield into a regional cultural leader

Half of our visitors come from Springfield. The other half come from beyond our city limits — including 22% from surrounding communities like Branson and Joplin and another 8% traveling from up to 150 miles away.

That 150-mile radius represents 63% of Missouri’s regional population, and our biggest growth opportunity. But if we want people to jump in the car and choose Springfield over Tulsa, Kansas City, or Bentonville, we must give them a compelling reason.

This is where Phase II can really shine and strengthen our regional presence. It introduces:

The Beacon Gallery, a new architectural and artistic landmark on National Avenue.
A new Education Wing and flexible program/event space facing the expanded Hatch Lawn.
A dramatically expanded West Wing, designed to serve as the community’s “front porch.”
A seamless indoor–outdoor campus, connecting art, nature, and gathering spaces in a way Springfield has never seen.

These elements position Springfield more competitively among cities known for art and culture.

During Phase I, the west wing largely maintains its existing exterior, including the current entrance and lobby. Phase II reimagines this area as a more open and welcoming space — reshaping how visitors arrive, gather, and experience the Museum. (Photos/renderings courtesy of the Springfield Art Museum and BNIM Architecture.)

So why the need for Phase II right now? Because delay costs us money — and opportunity.

Phase I’s construction is expected to near completion in fall 2026. The further we get into construction, the more costly and disruptive it becomes to build Phase II later. In some cases, components already installed would need to be removed or entirely reworked.

We are already drafting construction documents for Phase II. With full funding, the project can be bid within the next six months, maintaining momentum and maximizing efficiency.

Phase II’s total cost is $37.2 million, including soft costs. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:

$37.4 million raised to fully fund Phase I.
Over $3 million in private gifts already designated for Phase II.
To date, the Museum has funded the project through diverse sources, including 41% from the City of Springfield; 38% Federal and State funds, 20% Private funds, and 1% Museum funds.

To complete the Museum our community has envisioned, we presented at the Citizens’ Advisory Board in October 2025 to request $33.4 million from the ½-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax — $15M in FY27 and $18.4M in FY28.

This public investment leverages the private dollars already raised and ensures that Springfield reaps the full benefit of this transformative project. As our community leaders consider transformative projects for our city and region, the Art Museum stands in a unique position — fully designed, partially constructed, and prepared to advance immediately if funding is approved.

In Phase I, the Museum’s lobby remains largely unchanged. Phase II expands this space to better support Museum programs and community events, and to serve as a welcoming “third place” where people can gather, linger, and connect with art and one another. (Photos/renderings courtesy of the Springfield Art Museum and BNIM Architecture.)

This is Springfield’s moment

The founders who established this Museum in 1928 could not have imagined the Springfield we live in today, yet their investment continues to enrich our community nearly 100 years later. We have the chance to leave the same kind of legacy, one that blends creativity, education, nature, and gathering spaces into a resource that strengthens Springfield for decades.

Completing this project means giving every resident, every visitor, every student, every artist, and every curious passerby a place that reflects the best of who we are and who we want to become.

The work has already started. The momentum is here. Springfield has asked for a Museum that matches its aspirations, and we are ready to deliver it.

Why Springfield deserves a world-class museum