The Baker Museum Repair and Expansion Project
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Level 1
Performance and Learning Center
Generously named by John and Jeanne Rowe
The first floor of The Baker Museum expansion hosts a new space designed to reflect Artis—Naples’ mission of interdisciplinary creation and curation. Flexible in its function, the new Performance and Learning Center may host Lifelong Learning lectures in the morning, visual art workshops for schoolchildren in the afternoon and youth orchestra chamber ensemble rehearsals or performances in the evening. This room is designed with first-class acoustics, stunning interior finishes and features state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. Significant storage behind the space allows for multiple configurations of seating and worktables.
No longer available. Committed at $1,500,000.
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Level 1
Educational Workshop Support Counter
Generously named by Bobbi & David Drobis and Kathryn & Arthur Knight
The Performance and Learning Center hosts a variety of lively visual art workshops for students of all ages. The Educational Workshop Support Counter can store art supplies as well as instructional materials. An attractive sink, built into the counter, allows for easy clean-up of even the most messy and creative projects.
No longer available. Committed at $250,000.
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Level 1
Lobby for Performance and Learning Center
$750,000 to $1,000,000
The lobby for the new Performance and Learning Center creates a prominent gathering space and transition from Norris Garden and The Baker Museum to the new multipurpose center. The private entrance provides a sense of seclusion for both public and private events. Works from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection or loaned artworks enhance the lobby.
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Level 1
Grand Stairway
Generously named by David* and Cecile Wang
The monumental stone Grand Stairway is a key element of Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi’s design for the expanded museum. Creating a sense of grandeur as patrons enter Norris Garden from the north, the stairway focuses attention on the museum’s new lobby and draws visitors to the event space on the second level while also allowing views of the new garden.
No longer available. Committed at $1,500,000.
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Level 1
South Garden
$600,000 to $750,000
This new outdoor garden space adjoins the south end of the Performance and Learning Center. The South Garden may host sculptures from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection or loaned artworks and allows for quiet contemplation or spirited discussion after lectures and performances. The space is professionally landscaped to showcase the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. The garden will be enjoyed for years to come and will transition with the Master Plan.
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Level 1
Southwest Feature Stair
$500,000 to $750,000
Connecting the South Garden to the second level Signature Event Space and the Elevated Open-Air Terrace, this beautiful semi-enclosed stairway provides a pleasant and anticipatory experience for guests attending public and private events in Artis—Naples’ extraordinary new spaces.
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Level 1
Loading Dock
$500,000 to $750,000
The new Loading Dock vastly improves load-in and load-out operations for The Baker Museum. Cleverly engineered under a cantilevered floor above, the new loading dock can accommodate trucks of significant size, which can “nest” into the exterior for optimal efficiency. It directly connects with an expanded Museum Support area and a new high-capacity service elevator while providing security for artwork to levels mandated by the American Alliance of Museums.
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Level 1
Norris Garden Bench
Generously named by Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson
A key new element of Norris Garden is the generously proportioned stone seating area that extends the length of the museum building, facing the Grand Stairway and entrance to the museum. The Norris Garden Bench offers the perfect place to pause, relax, reflect and discuss the arts.
No longer available. Committed at $750,000.
Norris Garden Bench Water Feature
$500,000
Weiss/Manfredi has designed an integrated Water Feature attached to the new Norris Garden Bench. The addition of the Water Feature creates an enhanced, tranquil and inviting space — reflecting the coastal lifestyle of Southwest Florida.
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Level 1
Outdoor Cafe
Generously named by Heidi and Brian Miller
The Outdoor Cafe is relocated, now adjacent to the Daniels Pavilion. Whether for a light bite, a cup of coffee or a glass of wine before an evening event, the Cafe is a social hub of the newly redesigned Norris Garden. The Cafe will be enjoyed for years to come and will transition with the Master Plan.
No longer available. Committed at $500,000.
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Level 1
Installation of Redesigned Paley Gates
Generously underwritten by Jeanette Montgomery Evert and Herbert P. Evert
The highly anticipated redesign and installation of Albert Paley’s entrance gates connects a beloved aspect of the Cultural Campus’ past with its exciting future. Albert Paley is excited for the opportunity to reimagine this artwork in a way that creates an “act of passage” for everyone.
No longer available. Committed at $500,000.
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Level 1
New Garden A
Generously named by Jerry and Enid Weygandt
New Garden B
Generously named by Carmen and Jim Campbell
New Garden C
Generously named by Marie and Bill Pastore and Family
New Garden D
Generously named by Joyce and George* Kempton
The New Gardens between The Baker Museum and Hayes Hall newly define a space that is welcoming to all patrons. Weiss/Manfredi is equally known for excellence in architecture and landscape design. The New Gardens feature a variety of plants that are soft and colorful, striking and sculptural. A Zoysia grass river flows through the space between the existing royal palms.
Garden A is no longer available. Committed at $500,000.
Garden B is no longer available. Committed at $500,000.
Garden C is no longer available. Committed at $400,000.
Garden D is no longer available. Committed at $500,000.
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Level 1
Museum Store
$400,000 to $600,000
The Museum Store benefits greatly from a prominent new space directly connected to The Baker Museum’s new entrance lobby. Inviting glass doors allow for clear visibility of the store as well as security after hours. No trip to the museum is complete without a visit to the Museum Store, which continues to feature unique jewelry, gifts for children and exhibition-related merchandise. It is the only licensed Chihuly Studio vendor in Naples.
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Level 1
Museum Support
$400,000 to $600,000
Enhanced and dedicated Museum Support areas provide a seamless transition from the loading dock to The Baker Museum’s art vault and existing support space. The new support allows precious artworks to acclimate carefully to controlled temperatures within the museum and enables the museum team to execute art preparation, conservation and other critical functions in a first-class environment.
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Level 1
Museum Reading Room
Generously named by Lois D. Juliber
The Museum Reading Room on the first floor houses the Saldukas Family Foundation Library Collection. Brimming with art books, the space is a comfortable and welcoming addition to an experience on the Cultural Campus. It has its own entry from Norris Garden.
No longer available. Committed at $400,000.
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Level 1
Museum Entrance Doors
Generously named by Bill and Linda Stavropoulos
The new Museum Entrance Doors provide a much-needed arrival experience for patrons visiting The Baker Museum. Two sets of grand glass doors allow full viewing of the newly expanded lobby.
No longer available. Committed at $300,000.
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Level 1
Patron and Service Elevators
$300,000 to $500,000
New high-capacity Patron and Service Elevators enhance the visitor experience and ensure the efficient and secure flow of artwork from the loading dock to The Baker Museum, as well as catering supplies to the private event spaces on the upper floors of the building.
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Level 1
Museum Welcome Desk
Generously named by Alan Einhorn and Vicki Cooper and Dee and Dennis* Turner
Upon entrance, patrons are greeted at the Museum Welcome Desk by Patron Services representatives, who guide their admissions experience and provide helpful suggestions on itineraries and other performance opportunities to enhance their visit.
No longer available. Committed at $300,000.
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Level 2
Signature Event Space
$2,500,000 to $3,500,000
Destined to become one of the most in-demand event spaces in all of Naples, the elegant new Signature Event Space on the second floor of The Baker Museum expansion is flexible, accommodating visual arts, performing arts, education and private events alike. Designed with exceptional acoustics by Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks, it offers an intimate venue for chamber music, recitals and a range of private programs. Capable of seating 150 in catering configuration, this signature space can be flexibly arranged for weddings and many other private events. It offers a dedicated warming and plating kitchen for catering services. Stellar views to the west and a private balcony to the south distinguish this elegant space.
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Level 2
Outdoor Balcony
$1,000,000 to $1,250,000
The Outdoor Balcony adjoining the new Signature Event Space features a completely new viewpoint to the south from the Cultural Campus. This elevated balcony is also accessible from the Southwest Feature Stair and is enhanced further with splendid exterior railings and surrounding plantings. Balcony doors can be opened to bring gentle sea breezes into the event space.
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Level 2
Signature Event Space Lobby
$750,000 to $1,000,000
The new lobby for the second-floor expansion is reached by ascending the new interior staircase or via elevator from the expansion entrance lobby. This open, airy space boasts warm wood floors and can feature works from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection or loaned artworks. It is ideal for gathering during the intermission of a performance in the new adjacent Signature Event Space or to welcome guests for a private reception.
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Level 2
Interior Feature Stair
$750,000 to $1,000,000
At the heart of The Baker Museum expansion is a three-floor staircase that connects each new space. This key-connector features warm wood floors and custom railings. The Interior Feature Stair may also feature permanent collection or loaned artworks.
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Level 2
New Level 2 Museum Gallery
$500,000 to $750,000
Using space previously devoted to the education resource room (now relocated to the first floor), this new gallery significantly expands the exhibition space of The Baker Museum and offers additional flexibility for display of objects from the permanent collection and visiting exhibitions.
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Level 2
Event Support
$250,000 to $300,000
A new Event Support area allows staff to provide excellent service to the second-floor event space. A catering warming pantry features state-of-the art catering equipment in a space with high-quality finishes. This space houses all catering services for the museum.
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Level 3
Elevated Open-Air Terrace
Generously named by Nancy and Lanny Baird
The Elevated Open-Air Terrace is one of the most highly anticipated aspects of The Baker Museum Repair and Expansion Project. This sophisticated third-floor sculpture garden and private event space offers stunning views to the west from a Sunset-Facing Cafe Counter. A pergola covered in greenery identifies the space and connects it to the natural southwest Florida setting. Structurally designed to support the weight of sculptures, outdoor-friendly exhibitions may be curated in this elevated space.
No longer available. Committed at $1,800,000.
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Level 3
Breakout Gallery
Generously named by The Blair Foundation
Providing a unique connection from the third-floor galleries of The Baker Museum to the new Elevated Open-Air Terrace, the curvilinear breakout gallery offers a perfect vantage point to view the entire Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus. Works from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection or loaned artworks are on view within the space.
No longer available. Committed at $2,250,000.
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Level 3
Sunset-Facing Cafe Counter
Generously named by Nancy and Lanny Baird
The new Sunset-Facing Cafe Counter on the Elevated Open-Air Terrace is certain to be a destination before and after concerts, events and exhibition visits. Light bites and craft cocktails served from an elegantly designed stone clad counter enhance a beautiful view to the west of sunset, while the green-covered pergola overhead protects patrons during daytime visits.
No longer available. Committed at $1,000,000.
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Level 3
Open-Air Terrace Lobby
$750,000 to $1,000,000
The Open-Air Terrace Lobby is reached by traveling through the Blair Foundation Breakout Gallery directly from the museum or by utilizing the Interior Feature Stair or elevator. This lobby is air-conditioned and connects the Open-Air Terrace to the museum proper. It can feature artwork from The Baker Museum’s permanent collection or loaned works.
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Level 3
Museum Support
$250,000 to $400,000
The Baker Museum gains a vital support area that connects the first-floor loading and staging areas to the third-floor galleries, the new breakout gallery and the Elevated Open-Air Terrace. Using the new high-capacity service elevator, museum staff can more efficiently install visiting and permanent collection exhibitions throughout the building.
* deceased
The Baker Museum Repair and Expansion Project Team
Weiss/Manfredi
Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism is a multidisciplinary design practice based in New York City known for the dynamic integration of architecture, art, infrastructure and landscape design. The firm is noted for a range of high profile commissions including the Bridge at Cornell Tech, Tata Center for Innovation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals North America Oncology Headquarters, the University of Pennsylvania Singh Center for Nanotechnology, Barnard College’s Diana Center, The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India and the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park.
Manhattan Construction Company
Manhattan Construction Company, the general building arm of Naples-based Manhattan Construction Group, is among the largest privately-held construction services firms in the U.S. The company provides preconstruction, construction management, program management, general building, and design-build services throughout the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Manhattan is an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC), a seven-time STEP Diamond Safety Award Winner and a 2017 Pinnacle Safety Award winner, which is ABC’s top national safety honor. Ranked among Engineer News-Record’s top general builders, Manhattan is known for constructing some of the nation’s most recognized museum and cultural facilities, including the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., George W. Bush Presidential Center in College Station, Texas, and World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. Locally, the company has completed many projects, including the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, the von Liebig Art Center, the Naples Botanical Garden and Ave Maria campus development.
Cost+Plus, Inc.
Cost+Plus, Inc. is a leader in providing project and cost management services exclusively for cultural facilities. The St. Petersburg-based company with offices in New York and Europe has provided a wide range of professional, dedicated, project and cost management services for cultural projects across North America. Successful projects span the globe, and clients include Lincoln Center in New York City; the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York and the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. Cost+Plus president Joe Perryman has 30 years of project and cost management experience in the European and North American construction markets with the past 18 years dedicated exclusively to cultural facilities.
Interested in leaving a lasting legacy?
Contact Dianne Sponseller, senior executive assistant to CEO and President, for more information about how you can become part of the Future—Forward Campaign for Cultural Excellence.