It is a wonderful thought...
Creating an art museum in a historical building, using the opportunity to save a structure of historical significance in the community, giving it a new purpose, a future. Restoring a historical building is the ultimate recycling project. However, when undertaking such an endeavor, one must realize the inherent difficulty and challenges to be faced when bringing such a historical structure up to the environmental standards required to house an art museum.
The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art is located in the 111-year-old former Post Office for Marietta, Georgia. This Greek Revival building was erected in 1909 and in 1963, the building was renovated to accommodate the local Library. Finally, in 1989, the building once again changed its purpose; it was now to house the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Throughout its journey, the structure was transformed to benefit the community. But the fact is, creating a museum space inside a historical building brings along a unique group of issues and challenges.
The MCMA Permanent Collection has consistently grown over the years due to generous donations by artists and arts patrons. When not being displayed in a special exhibition, pieces from the Collection are always to be found throughout the MCMA, such as in our research library, the lobby, and the Northside Hospital Board Room. This precious collection of American art is kept in what we colloquially call “The Vault,” which is our art storage facility that securely houses the Collection when not on display. When a museum holds a permanent collection, it assumes legal, ethical, fiduciary, and professional responsibility for the artwork. This stewardship is a promise to keep the work safe, accessible, and well preserved. To do this requires very specific environmental conditions for the proper storage, housing, and exhibition of the art.
The MCMA Vault needs expansion, modernization, and significant renovations in order to keep up with current industry standards and provide a safe forever home for the Museum’s collection of fine art. Renovating our Vault allows us to better preserve history and care for treasured objects so that they may be enjoyed and studied by future generations. The Vault Renovation is an immense project that we have been planning for several years and are thrilled to announce that in the first quarter of 2022, we will finally begin renovating and updating!