Springfield Art Museum renovation making progress

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Construction of the revamped Springfield Art Museum is on track for its target re-opening date of 2028, its 100th anniversary.

The Springfield Art Museum says Phase 1 construction began in March 2025 and has been fully funded. One of Phase 1’s biggest additions to its new museum is a 20-foot-tall special exhibition gallery space, which they say would be one of the largest in the region.

Upgrades also include a collection study room, silver LEED sustainability and accessibility features, state-of-the-art HVAC and climate control to help preserve the collection, naturalized Fassnight Creek and trail with outdoor sculpture linked to Springfield greenways and more.

Phase 2, which is still seeking funding according to the Museum, would provide the following additions:

• An expanded multi-level lobby

• An expanded greenspace connecting the Museum to Phelps Grove Park.

• More education classrooms and community gathering spaces

• Additional refreshed gallery spaces, including the Beacon Gallery, facing National.

• An exterior transformation of the Museum, including continued improvement to the exterior envelope for performance and aesthetics.

The Museum says they expect nearly 100,000 visitors across the region to visit once renovations are complete, boosting local tourism, supporting local businesses, expanding access to art education and enriching the lives of those in the community.

The public can also view the construction in real-time by clicking here.

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