Springfield Art Museum sets groundbreaking date for expansion, renovation project

As fundraising continues, the Springfield Art Museum has set a groundbreaking date for its planned expansion and renovation project that has a price tag of roughly $50 million.

The ceremonial event is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Feb. 28 at the 1111 E. Brookside Drive museum, according to a news release. The art museum has set up shop temporarily in the Wilhoit Plaza building downtown as the work is conducted on its home.

“We’re excited to invite the public to join us as we break ground on history and mark the beginning of an ambitious journey to redefine the museum for the 21st century,” said Nick Nelson, director of the museum, in the release. “Since 1928, the Springfield Art Museum has long been a cornerstone of cultural heritage, and through this expansion, we are building a future that preserves our legacy while propelling Springfield to the forefront of cultural and creative tourism.”

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. is overseeing Phase 1 work, officials say. nForm Architecture LLC and Kansas City-based BNIM were previously announced as project architects.

Springfield City Council in May 2024 decided on a two-phase path for the art museum project, with a first phase of $26.15 million in construction costs and the other $23.6 million to be raised or acquired at a later date, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Exterior improvements and new educational, public and community spaces are part of the planned work for the museum in the Phelps Grove neighborhood. The museum is closed amid the work, with officials pointing to a goal of completing both phases in time for the museum's 100th anniversary in 2028.

The museum's 2028 fundraising campaign has raised more than $37 million, according to the release. The campaign is chaired by Tom and Kim Prater.