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| The Kimbell Art Museum's Piano Pavilion, south view. All photos by Robert Polidori, courtesy of the Kimbell. |
Piano's Perfection . . . the Kimbell Art Museum's new Piano Pavilion, designed by architect Renzo Piano, opens to the public on November 27, but the press was given a preview this morning. About 65 yards from the Kimbell—designed by architect Louis Kahn—the Pavilion pays homage to Kahn's love of concrete, glass and lots of natural light. It's not surprising, Piano once worked for Kahn in the 1960s, and the pairing of the two buildings works beautifully.
The furnishings inside are sublime, all neutral tones of tan and white with cherry red accents. Of course, each piece is an icon, designed by Herman Miller, Knoll and Geiger.
The pavilion is made up of two sections connected by a glass passageway, with a glass roof system that appears to float above the concrete and wood beams. There's a gallery for light-sensitive works, education studios, library and auditorium.
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| A soft, gray concrete is used inside and out, which Piano had produced especially for the Pavilion. |
