Project Description

Overview

When American art-collector Nancy Olnick, and her Sardinia-born husband, Giorgio Spanu found their extensive collection of modern art had grown beyond the capacity of their two homes they considered options for sharing their collection with a wider audience.  A search for a suitable repository for their 500+ assemblage led them to a 14,000 square-foot steel and concrete former industrial warehouse (circa 1964) nearby their Garrison, NY weekend home.

Program

Olnick and Spanu acquired the building for $12 million, and retained leading architect Miguel Quismondo to create a spacious, light filled gallery to appropriately exhibit their collection.  Quismondo brought Alberto Campo Baeza, another noted Spanish architect on board as Construction Manager/Project Liaison.  As Magazzino neared completion, its mandate was expanded to include a program of ambitious summertime International Art Film Screenings in the building’s 3000 square foot courtyard.  When the architectural team recognized the need to address challenging acoustic issues, they engaged prominent NY-based/global architectural/acoustical experts WSDG to recommend and integrate a comprehensive equipment package.

Design

WSDG Project Manager Jonathan Bickoff reports that he and Founding Partner John Storyk performed several site visits and immediately recognized the primary acoustic issue.  The rectangular courtyard was constructed of hard reflective surfaces.  “We took extensive auditory measurements that guided us in developing a strategy for a diverse range of outdoor museum presentations.  And, we worked closely with top Saugerties, NY-based pro audio-video supply firm, Markertek to customize the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective technical system, in a compact, easy to set up and breakdown configuration. The portability of the package was demonstrated when a surprise storm required it to be disassembled and moved indoors in under 10 minutes!”

“We were privileged to have applied our expertise to Magazzino’s program presentation needs,” John Storyk concludes.  “This gallery represents an important new asset to our Hudson Valley community,” Nancy and Giorgio’s extensive collection features works by many brilliant contemporary Italian artists.  Their new gallery is a welcome addition to an extraordinary group of Hudson Valley Art Destinations that includes the Storm King Art Center and Dia: Beacon.  We are extremely fortunate to have them as friends and neighbors.”

Exterior Photography by Marco Anneli

Links

Visit Magazzino Italian Art Gallery Official Website

Read Fast and Wide Article

Read TWICE Article

Read Lighting & Sound America Article