Description from HOK website:

The three-story museum is on a beautiful bayside site along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. The dramatic envelope balances the exhibition and protection of the priceless masterpieces within a simple, powerful aesthetic. A “treasure box” shelters the 2,000-piece collection from potential Category 5 hurricane winds and storm surges.

The design opens up the 18-inch-thick concrete walls with a free-form glass geodesic structure that intrigues visitors while bringing daylight and bay views into public spaces. The 75-foot-tall geodesic glass “Enigma” and 45-foot-tall “Igloo” are formed by 1,062 undulating faceted glass panes, with no two exactly alike.

A poured-in-place, sculptural concrete spiral staircase beckons visitors to the galleries above. In the Permanent Gallery, black plaster light cannons focus natural light on seven large “Masterworks,” illuminating the paintings with UV-filtered daylight within curatorial standards.

AWARDS

Top Museum in the State – AIA Florida

Best Cultural Project – ENR Southeast

People’s Choice Award – AIA Tampa Bay

Distinctive Detail Award – AIA Tampa Bay

Design Excellence Award – Novum

Charles A. McIntosh Jr. Award of Distinction – The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Project Achievement Award – CMAA West Central Florida Chapter

Excellence in Construction Project of the Year – Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.

Future of the Region Awards Project of the Year – Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Best Museum – Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater “Best of” Online Survey