Transformed Joseph Education Center at the Baltimore Museum of Art Reopens

Four children sitting on multicolored bean bag chairs in a large playroom. — Photo Credit: The Baltimore Museum of Art

Quinn Evans marked the successful completion of another transformative project at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) with the reopening of the Patricia and Mark Joseph Education Center on December 3, 2023. Our dedicated team has been at the forefront of multiple initiatives at the BMA, both enhancing visitor experiences and optimizing back-of-house functionalities at the Nancy Dorman and Stanley Mazaroff Center for the Study of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, and the Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies.

Adults and children entering an open gallery and walking through and exploring the space.

A group of adults and children engaged in conversations and independent exploration of an art gallery with interactive spaces and added seating.

The Joseph Education Center, a 6,700-square-foot space, has undergone a remarkable renovation and expansion, spearheaded by Quinn Evans as the project architect and Whiting Turner as the contractor. Baltimore philanthropists Patricia and Mark Joseph’s generosity and commitment to the BMA have been instrumental in making this transformation possible. Their $2.5 million contribution towards the reconceptualization of the Joseph Education Center exemplifies their dedication to evolving educational methods, embracing digital learning, and fostering local and global connectivity.

The renovation work prioritizes evolving ways of learning, supporting digital education, and establishing unified areas for intergenerational learning. The center's focus on surprise, socialization, creativity, and artistic inquiry sets the stage for an immersive and enriching educational experience.

Children and adults engaging with a wall full of post-its.

The Center includes new and refurbished classrooms for both dry and wet artmaking; a Wall of Wonder with tactile and digital displays to ignite imaginations; and a 1,000-square-foot Experience Gallery featuring interactive installations by renowned artists. At the heart of the Center are site-specific installations by internationally acclaimed artists Derrick Adams, Mary Flanagan, and Pablo Helguera. Their creations offer immersive experiences that encourage learning through play, physical connection, and exploration.

The 2023 reopening marks a significant milestone for the BMA and its commitment to providing enriched educational opportunities. This revitalized Joseph Education Center showcases new avenues for hands-on artmaking and interactive engagement, catering to both children and adults, and is poised to become a hub for creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration.

Watch a short video from the opening and view more posts from the BMA here on Instagram.