"The design intent was to create a façade that would be a visual anchor for the campus," explained Brian Dougherty, Design Director at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the firm behind the façade's concept. "Something that would draw people in and make the museum a destination."

The façade is composed of 920 individual diamond-shaped metal panels, each measuring 4' x 4' and fabricated from 1/8" thick ACP (aluminum composite panel). The panels were engineered to provide a high level of precision, with a tolerance of just 1/16".

"The unique diamond pattern creates a dynamic visual effect, especially when viewed from different angles or at varying times of day," Dougherty noted. "The façade appears to shift and change, adding another layer of interest to the overall design."

The metal panels were finished in a sleek silver coating, chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the marine environment of the coastal campus. The façade is engineered to meet stringent seismic requirements and is fully replaceable for ease of future maintenance.

The museum's transformation is part of a larger effort by the university to revitalize its arts quadrant. The updated space features expanded galleries, improved natural lighting, and cutting-edge exhibition technology, as well as a new sculpture garden and outdoor event spaces.

An advanced HVAC system fine tunes the temperature and humidity to protect the presented art and works stored in the museum’s vault.

"The new façade is a beacon calling people to the museum," said Dr. Brian Zeiger, Executive Director of the University Art Museum. "It's a signal that something exciting is happening here, and an invitation to engage with the art and ideas within."

The University of California, Long Beach's art museum is now open to the public, welcoming visitors to experience its stunning new metal façade and the world-class exhibitions awaiting within.