The Common

"People gravitate to places where they can play."   - Charles Anderson, Landscape Architect

One of the most important aspects of the public plaza that will be added alongside the expanded building is the link it creates with the downtown area. Passers-by will be invited to the museum via a forested, two-acre park that creates a sanctuary from the commerce and activity beyond its borders.

The public plaza will be alive in both winter and summer, and will include the following features:

• An urban birch forest that will create privacy and quiet while allowing views of the surrounding area
• Outdoor "galleries" - open spaces in the forest - that will feature sculpture, temporary exhibits or just a spot for quiet reflection
• A promenade along the new museum entrance, which will face C Street
• Winter ice rink - Adjacent the promenade will be a grassy area which in winter will serve as an ice rink
• A large common area will be available for public performance
• An interpretive trail through the birch forest will feature information about native plants and grasses, while a direct route will lead from C Street to the museum's new entrance