New York, NY

The Background
As part of a remarkable initiative to bring the meaning and richness of Tibetan Buddhism to the general public, the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation engaged Pompei A.D. to develop the concept, master plan and creative direction for the Rubin Museum of Art. The Client
The collection of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Cultural Trust, one of the largest private collections of Tibetan Buddhist artworks is showcased at the museum alongside other religious works of art and artifacts from related world cultures.

The Concept
The concept in designing this space was simply to create an environment that would foster intrigue, appreciation and contemplation of these significant works of art. To effectively present the values, ideas and artifacts of Tibetan Buddhism to a diverse audience, Pompei A.D. consulted with Tibetan Lamas and Geshes, and explored innovative uses of audiovisual media and storytelling. The intent was to create a cohesive experience for the visitor, with Buddhist tradition informing the overall concept.

The Design
The majority of exhibit floors having 10 ft. ceilings, along with the presence of over one hundred aging apartments situated above the principal ground floor space, presented design challenges to creating a controlled museum-quality environment within an old structure. Cost-effective solutions to these challenges were developed through close collaboration with the core and shell architects, engineers and the construction managers.

Inspired by the Buddhist qualities of immateriality, translucency and luminosity, the design is focused on the visitors’ ascent via an existing spiral staircase and numerous opportunities for reflection and meditation. Interactive multimedia stations are strategically located throughout the space to allow visitors access to a vast database of information and exhibit related narratives.

The Result
The exhibition conveys a spirit of universality, while the form and quality of the design creates an intimate experience for each visitor. The Museum supports a program of relative contemporary art exhibits, and the auditorium is host to numerous performances and other cultural events.