20th Building Anniversary

20 Years: Open To Interpretation

In 2003, the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art opened to the public. While the Contemporary Arts Center had been a beloved institution since 1939, until this moment it had lacked a permanent home.

As the first U.S. museum designed by a woman, our building challenged, and continues to challenge, preconceived notions of what an art museum is and can be, as well as what art is and can be. Its iconic "urban carpet" even challenges ideas of public spaces, drawing the city in and making it a part of its very walls. While there have been changes through the years, the building continues its reputation as "the most important American building since the Cold War" (New York Times. June 8, 2003)

Learn more about the building

For 20 years, this building has provided a permanent home to the Contemporary Arts Center, inviting neighbors and visitors of all ages to explore and discover art and the creative process. For 20 years, we have resided in the heart of downtown and presented exhibitions, performances, and experiences that open minds. For 20 years, we have encouraged all to enter this iconic space to engage with art—to question, wonder, and feel however the building and the art within inspire them to feel. For 20 years, we have been open to interpretation.

We look forward to a year of large and small celebrations of this building's impact on our mission, our city, and our community.

17 February
2024

Architecture Tour with Jay Chatterjee