Art Institute Announces New $50M Conservation Center Within Existing Museum Space
November 4, 2025 | In the PressThe Art Institute of Chicago will have a new space within the museum specifically for its art conservation work, officials announced Tuesday.
The Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, projected to cost $50 million to build, will be a space for conservators across departments to collaborate, conduct research, teach and preserve the Art Institute’s collection, according to the museum. The 25,000-square-foot space will more than double the square footage of integrated space the Art Institute has for conservation work.
“This is the most important update and enhancement in conservation science at the Art Institute since the establishment of the department 70 years ago,” said Francesca Casadio, Grainger executive director of conservation and science, in a news release. “This will allow us to elevate our research and enhance care for the collection, but also bring visitors in on the processes and the work we do every day.”
The new center will feature a permanent gallery dedicated to showcasing conservation innovations and processes, according to a news release. The design also allows visitors to observe conservators treating works.
In addition, visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look with a rotating calendar of special exhibitions related to conservation, according to a news release.
The space is designed by architecture firm Barozzi Veiga, which is also working in partnership with Interactive Design Architects and Samuel Anderson Architects on the new center.
The creation of the new center will result in some galleries being moved, along with collections being redistributed throughout the museum, according to the Art Institute.
The Art Institute hired its first paintings conservator in 1956, according to the museum. Nearly 70 years later, the conservation team has grown to 40 specialists in a dozen distinct fields of care across all areas of the collection.
“Our conservation team is truly a center of excellence, and their expertise and dedication ensures that the work our visitors love is cared for and maintained for generations to come,” said Art Institute Director James Rondeau in a news release.
Construction on the center is scheduled to begin in the spring. The opening is planned for fall 2027.
