Newly Renovated Lobby Spaces

Since its founding, the CMA has undergone major renovations and significant additions. Notably, in 1971, the expansion of the north wing, designed by the modernist architect Marcel Breuer, offered a bold juxtaposition to the neoclassical facade of the original 1916 building.

Then, beginning in 2005, the CMA’s building and renovation project “Building for the Future” greatly expanded the museum under the acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly. These monumental changes to the CMA’s building and footprint allowed for key advancements in collections, audience engagement, special programs, and much more. Ultimately, these major expansions and renovations aimed to better serve existing CMA audiences as well as to draw new audiences to the museum.

Visitor experience continues to drive space utilization at the museum and provides the mandate for renovations. The final piece of the 2005 expansion project concluded in November 2024 with a newly renovated north entrance, the Horace Kelley Art Foundation Lobby (upper), the Susan M. Kaesgen Education Gallery and Lobby (lower), and the Jane and Jon Outcalt Family Concourse connecting the upper lobby and the Ames Family Atrium.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors in our newly renovated lobby spaces,” said William M. Griswold, director and president of the CMA. “By enhancing the visitor experience, we make the museum more accessible and wayfinding more informative, and we ensure that more space is available for students to learn through enriching experiences with art.”

Jane and Jon Outcalt

Visitors entering through the refreshed Horace Kelley Art Foundation Lobby can notice the newly named Jane and Jon Outcalt Family Concourse, in recognition of principal supporters of the lobby renovation project, Jane and Jon Outcalt. They are loyal friends of the CMA and were instrumental in making these critical upgrades happen. They know the important role that the CMA’s free civic spaces play in the life of their hometown—and how making them as warm, functional, and inviting as possible is key to helping visitors feel welcome at the museum. The Outcalts’ impactful gift provided essential support for the renovation and revitalization of these areas.

The CMA is grateful for their incredible generosity. This is not the first time they graciously supported the museum’s capital improvements. Jane and Jon were visionary in understanding what a substantial—and greatly needed—change the Ames Family Atrium would be, and they chose to name the beloved gardens on the east and west ends of it, ensuring that nature would be a prominent feature of this soaring indoor space.

Jane and Jon both grew up in Cleveland and raised their family here. They are actively involved with several local organizations, including United Way, University Hospitals, Breakthrough Schools, Playhouse Square, Hathaway Brown, and University School. They have a long and meaningful history with the CMA—Jon has been a member of the board of trustees since 2018, and Jane is a dedicated Womens Council member and museum volunteer. We deeply appreciate all they have done and continue to do to ensure that the broadest possible audience feels welcome at the CMA.