The lobby is conceived as a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight, and an opening to the beautifully landscaped Art Garden which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The garden contains 100 trees, nearly 600 shrubs and more than 20,000 perennials and grasses. The transparency of the lobby nicely contrasts with monolithic masonry enclosing curatorial spaces designed to safeguard the artwork and artifacts, fitting seamlessly into the temperament of Barnes’ modernist design. The entrance and lobby provides generous daylighting and access to a liberally landscaped plaza with multiple sculptures. The lobby flows into the magnificent Great Hall on the upper level which is the primary social venue within the facility. Meeting rooms, curatorial work areas, the gift shop and restaurant were a part of this project. The entrance is more accessible to patrons and tenders a greater sense of hospitality.
