Bellevue Arts Museum

Steven Holl · Bellevue · 1947

Bellevue Arts Museum
Editor's Pick

A red-stained 'art garage' that invites the street to witness the act of making.

Museum in Bellevue, Washington, US.

Major PracticeEditor's Pick
Architect
Steven Holl
Year
1947
Coordinates
47.6154°, -122.2012°
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Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

Check out the 'Court of Light' rooftop terrace; it’s a quiet escape from the surrounding shopping mall chaos.

Best Photo Spot

From the corner of NE 6th Street at night, when the building's internal lights glow through the hand-polished aluminum panels.

Access & Hours

Open Wed-Sun 11:00-17:00; Entry is approx. $15. The sidewalk cafe and ground-floor 'Forum' are more accessible.

Insider Note

The building is organized around the concept of 'Tripleness'—3 gallery lofts, 3 light qualities, and 3 levels.

Time Needed

2 hours

Design & Structure

FreeformDouble-CurvedParametric Surface
Computational Process

Used enormous physical models and early computer simulations to coordinate the 'warped' gallery lofts and their specific lighting needs.

Materiality

Red-stained shotcrete, hand-polished aluminum sheets, and channel-glass clerestories that diffuse natural light.

Structural Innovation

The outer walls are a 'shotcrete' construction that supports an inner lightweight steel framework, allowing for unconventionally shaped galleries.

See Together

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Bellevue Arts Museum?+

Bellevue Arts Museum was designed by Steven Holl and completed in 1947. It is located in Bellevue, United States.

Where is Bellevue Arts Museum located?+

Bellevue Arts Museum is located in Bellevue, United States. Its coordinates are 47.6154°, -122.2012°.

When was Bellevue Arts Museum built?+

Bellevue Arts Museum was completed in 1947. It was designed by Steven Holl.

Can I visit Bellevue Arts Museum?+

Bellevue Arts Museum is a real building in Bellevue that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.