Bowdoin College Museum of Art: A Legacy of Architecture and Antiquity
The Bowdoin College Museum of Art stands as a testament to centuries of philanthropy and a passion for the classical arts. From its humble beginnings as a series of private donations to its current status as an architectural landmark, the museum provides a bridge between the ancient world and modern scholarship.
The Origins of the Collection
The foundation of the museum's collection dates back to the early 19th century, originating from separate art donations made by James Bowdoin III in 1811 and 1826. For several decades, the collection was housed in various temporary locations before finding a permanent sanctuary in 1894.
The Walker Art Building
The museum is housed in the Walker Art Building, a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture—a style characterized by its inspiration from the symmetry and proportions of the Italian Renaissance. Commissioned in 1891 and completed in 1894, the building was designed by the renowned architect Charles Follen McKim.
The project was commissioned by sisters Mary Sophia Walker (1839–1904) and Harriet Sarah Walker (1844–1898) to honor their uncle, Theophilus Wheeler Walker (1813–1890). Theophilus had previously championed the creation of Bowdoin's first small art gallery in the mid-nineteenth century.
Beyond the architecture, the Walker sisters enriched the museum by donating a significant collection of antiquities, including glass and ceramics from Greece and Rome, acquired with the assistance of Edward Perry Warren.
Artistic Details of the Interior
The building itself is a work of art. The domed rotunda features four lunettes—half-moon shaped architectural spaces—containing murals that represent the great cities of antiquity: Rome by Elihu Vedder, Venice by Kenyon Cox, Athens by John La Farge, and Florence by Abbott Thayer.
Other notable features include a large bronze tablet portrait of Theophilus Wheeler Walker created by Daniel Chester French, and a pair of Medici lions at the entrance, which are copies of the originals found in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.
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Modern Evolution and Renovation
To meet contemporary needs while respecting its heritage, the museum underwent a significant $20.8 million renovation completed in 2007. Led by the Boston-based firm Machado and Silvetti Associates, the project successfully integrated modern functionality with the original structural integrity.
The renovation introduced several striking elements, including a glass and bronze pavilion, a floating steel staircase, and a glass curtain wall specifically designed to showcase Assyrian reliefs (ancient stone carvings from the Assyrian Empire). This expansion added 2,000 square feet of gallery space to the facility.
The excellence of this design was recognized in 2008 when the project received the American Architecture Award, along with accolades from the Boston Society of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society, the American Institute of Architects New England, and the Maine Preservation Society.
Key Facts
- Founding Donations: James Bowdoin III (1811 and 1826).
- Architect: Charles Follen McKim.
- Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival.
- Key Benefactors: Mary Sophia Walker and Harriet Sarah Walker.
- Modern Renovation: Completed in 2007 for $20.8 million by Machado and Silvetti Associates.
- Notable Additions: Glass and bronze pavilion and a floating steel staircase.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Completion Date | 1894 |
| Primary Architect | Charles Follen McKim |
| Major Collections | Greek and Roman ceramics, glass, and Assyrian reliefs |
| Rotunda Murals | Rome, Venice, Athens, and Florence |
| 2007 Renovation Cost | $20.8 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provided the initial art for the museum?
The collection began with donations from James Bowdoin III in 1811 and 1826.
Who was the Walker Art Building named after?
The building was commissioned by Mary Sophia and Harriet Sarah Walker in memory of their uncle, Theophilus Wheeler Walker, who supported the college's first art gallery.
What are the notable artistic features of the rotunda?
The rotunda contains four murals representing the ancient cities of Rome, Venice, Athens, and Florence, painted by Elihu Vedder, Kenyon Cox, John La Farge, and Abbott Thayer, respectively.
What improvements were made during the 2007 renovation?
The renovation added a glass and bronze pavilion, a floating steel staircase, a glass curtain wall for Assyrian reliefs, and 2,000 square feet of additional gallery space.
Which awards did the 2007 renovation receive?
It received the American Architecture Award, as well as awards from the Maine Preservation Society, the Illuminating Engineering Society, the Boston Society of Architects, and the American Institute of Architects New England.