The Dubuque Museum of Art celebrated a major milestone in its nearly decade-long transformation journey as officials broke ground on a new multi-building campus that will nearly quadruple the institution's footprint. Museum staff, board members, city officials, philanthropic supporters, and community leaders gathered at the current 701 Locust Street location for the ceremonial groundbreaking of what represents one of downtown Dubuque's most ambitious cultural developments.
The newly designed facility will encompass three distinct buildings strategically positioned throughout the downtown area: the Programs Pavilion at Seventh and Locust streets, the Gallery Pavilion at Seventh and Bluff streets, and the Collection Pavilion at Eighth and Bluff streets. The comprehensive campus will feature a gross floor area of 47,159 square feet, complemented by an additional 10,000 square feet of outdoor space, representing a dramatic expansion from the museum's current location in a former bank building.
The ambitious project forms the centerpiece of the museum's $89 million capital campaign, with $69 million designated for construction of the new facility and $20 million allocated toward strengthening the organization's endowment fund. The Butler Family Foundation has provided crucial support through a matching fund commitment of up to $25 million, with additional funding sourced through a combination of grants and private donations from the community.
Executive Director Gary Stoppelman expressed the mounting excitement surrounding the project's progress, noting that "the past month has felt like an increase of momentum and energy." He characterized the groundbreaking moment as "liftoff," emphasizing the multigenerational community support that has made the vision possible. "Seeing generations of Dubuque supporting this effort, that says it all," Stoppelman remarked during the ceremony.
Andrew Butler, who serves as executive chairman of Cottingham & Butler, president of SISCO & HealthCorp, and chairman of the museum's board of directors, described the undertaking as a "great metamorphosis." Reflecting on the decision-making process that began approximately eight years ago, Butler explained that the organization faced a critical choice between improving their existing facility or pursuing a more transformative vision. "Today, we're the caterpillar in the cocoon," Butler said. "As we begin to see this project's metamorphosis, it will put Dubuque on the map the way it never has been before."
The scope of the new campus extends far beyond traditional museum functions, incorporating diverse community amenities that will serve multiple constituencies. Butler outlined the comprehensive vision, describing "a site combining an art museum, a park, public gardens, a child care center, a performance space and an educational facility, sparking creative greatness in generations to come." He emphasized the project's significance not only for Dubuque but for the entire state of Iowa.
Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanagh praised the initiative as a catalyst for broader community transformation and innovation. "If you look around, you see the growth that's happening across the city," Cavanagh observed. "That's community collaboration in action. That's the work of visionaries coming together and making things happen. I'm excited to see what's next." The mayor credited museum officials' visionary approach with encouraging similar innovative developments throughout the city.
The architectural and landscape design responsibilities have been entrusted to the New York City-based firm Schulhof and Rashidi Architects, working in collaboration with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Paul Schulhof and Azadeh Rashidi, representing the architectural firm, emphasized their commitment to creating a facility that serves both institutional needs and community aspirations. "From the start of this project, we have wanted to design something that not only served the needs of the museum, but something that also belonged to the community," Schulhof explained. "This space truly is unique in that it functions to inspire community."
During the interim construction period, the museum has established temporary operations at the Dupaco Voices Building, located at 1000 Jackson Street in Dubuque's Historic Millwork District. This temporary location opened to the public earlier this month, ensuring continued service to the community while the permanent facility takes shape. The new campus is scheduled for completion in 2027, marking the culmination of years of planning and community investment.
In his remarks, Stoppelman emphasized the fundamental role of community support in bringing the project to fruition. He offered a thoughtful interpretation of philanthropy's meaning, noting that "when we look at the word philanthropy – philo meaning love and thropos meaning humanity – it's a love of humanity that got us here." Stoppelman concluded with a vision of collective ownership and participation: "Together, all walks of life have made this project happen. Together, we'll get to see and experience this growth."
