Page 68 - Studio International - May June 1975

Kimbell Art Museum

Fort Worth, Texas, 1972

Architect: Louis Kahn

Designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, the 1 View across water
Kimbell Art Museum is hailed garden
internationally as an architectural 2 Approach ramp
milestone. While its form is 3 Internal view (i)
contemporary, it nonetheless has the 4 Internal view (z)
serenity of classical architecture. It
bridges the centuries by successfully 5 Plan - gallery level
housing works of art from all periods - 6 Plan - ground level
from prehistoric through Cubism.
On the floor plan, galleries are labelled
to indicate the general period or country
of works installed therein. However, works
of art in the Kimbell collection are
arranged in consciously dramatic
juxtapositions, which cut across periods
and cultures. Perhaps a Tz'u-chou vase
will be placed with 19th-century
paintings, a Kakiemon jar with Rococo,
or a Cycladic figure with 20th century
painting.
Galleries are small, almost residential
in scale, and visitors are invited to
contemplate and enjoy works of art in
comfort and leisure.
Various works of art of particular
interest are illustrated here, but they may
occasionally be relocated or removed from
exhibition.
Text taken from gallery handsheet

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