Springfield Art Museum has been closed for more the two years to make way for renovations and a more modern community space in Phelps Grove Park. As the project moves into its second phase, the museum is likely to remain closed for longer than expected.
Renovations of the art museum were split into two phases in 2024, with the end goal of modernizing the museum space, expanding educational and community areas and making much-needed upgrades to the building's infrastructure. The first phase, which got underway in early 2025, includes a Fassnight Creek boardwalk, education suite, high volume gallery space, curatorial workspaces, reconfigured loading dock and a mechanical central plant.
The first phase cost roughly $26 million and was funded through
private donations, allocations from American Rescue Plan Act funds, and contributions from the city and the state. The second phase was estimated to cost roughly $37.2 million and includes a multi-level lobby, expanded greenspace, more education and community gathering spaces, additional gallery spaces and an improved external building envelope.
As the museum gears up to start on its second phase, costs have risen above expectations, and procurement issues will delay the completion of the renovations. The art museum's Executive Director Nick Nelson provided an update to the Citizens' Advisory Board on Thursday, Oct. 15. The CAB had recommended $30 million from the 1/2-cent portion of the SPRING Forward SGF sales tax to go toward the second phase of the renovations, split between the current fiscal year and 2028.
Nelson said due to market conditions, such as higher demand for steel and uncertainty around tariffs and fuel prices, the preliminary guaranteed maximum price set by the construction manager-at-risk came in more than $500,000 above budget. In the coming weeks, he said the team hopes to have the GMP finalized, working on ways to find cost savings. Once the price is set, the museum could move forward with construction. Nelson said fundraising efforts have continued.
Because of steel procurement issues, Nelson noted the original target of completion by January 2028 will be delayed at least six months, with the museum not expected to re-open before June 2028.
The art museum has been closed since September 2024. The museum continues to offer off-site exhibitions, community programs and special events.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Art Museum renovations won't be complete until June 2028
