MacLaren Art Centre

The design of the MacLaren Art Centre was conceived with the idea of the gallery as a place for the community to come together and was inspired by a commitment to openness, transparency, and the demystification of art. To this end, HPA integrated the historic Carnegie Library (c. 1917) with a new wing and an internal sculpture courtyard. The main entrance draws visitors in at the junction of the new addition and the historic library. The spacious, skylit lobby creates an immediate sense of welcome with a fireplace and café/shop. This unobstructed space leads downward into the education studio and upward into galleries in the heritage structure.

Compared to some institutions, the MacLaren’s gallery rooms are not very big. However, long views create a sense of expansiveness—one can look down stairs, into adjacent rooms, and through windows to spaces inside and out. Large windows and carefully placed skylights fill spaces with natural light. The idea of openness is reinforced by making the café, shop, and various activities visible from the street. Outside, thoughtful landscaping underscores the civic grandeur of the former Carnegie Library. The Centre has become a regional leader because its secure, environmentally controlled exhibition spaces meet professional museum standards, allowing it to host significant artworks and touring exhibits. The project received the 2003 National Post Design Exchange Award of Merit.