The Clark is an art museum and research center located on a 140 acre campus in the Berkshires. As part of a major expansion project Selldorf Architects was comissioned to design the renovation of two very different but connected structures: the original Museum Building and the Manton Research Center.

Museum Renovation: Originally built in 1955 by Daniel Perry, the museum houses the Clark’s permanent collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. The renovation restores and enhances the building’s distinct character while also bringing it into the 21st century. Key requirements of the project included reconfigured circulation in response to the Clark’s new overall masterplan, conversion of former back of house space into 2,200 sf of new gallery space, and the introduction of state of the art mechanical and lighting. Visitors to the renovated museum will feel that everything is as it should be but not a single surface was left untouched. 

Manton Research Center: The Manton Research Center is home to the art history graduate program of Williams College. Designed in the 1970s by Pietro Belluschi, the building houses the Clark’s 250,000 volume library, galleries, administrative offices, and an auditorium. The renovation enhances academic facilities and welcomes the public by recasting the former Visitor Services Center into a new Reading Room. The 40’ tall space was fitted with a mezzanine level for book storage and display. New custom furnishings designed by Selldorf Architects offer visitors both traditional reading tables as well as more informal lounge seating. The firm also designed a new Study Center for Works on Paper which will provide students and scholars with access to the Clark’s collection of rare books and prints.