Affectionately called “The Piano Building” and compared to a giant sewing machine, the Johnson Museum of Art is known all over the world for its distinctive concrete facade and other arresting Brutalist features. It is one of I.M. Pei’s most innovative uses of cantilevers.
Constructed in 1973, the building was featured on the cover of Scientific American as an early example of computer graphics. The Museum was awarded the American Institute of Architects Honor Award in 1975.
All photography by George Cassidy Payne
From the Johnson Museum’s website:
An homage to the late Cornell astronomy professor Carl Sagan, Cosmos is a site-specific installation by New York–based artist Leo Villareal (born 1967), a pioneer in the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and computer-driven imagery. His signature pieces explore complex movement and dazzling patterns created by points of light using his own computer software.
The Museum that Wax Built
The museum is named after its most substantial benefactor, Herbert Fisk Johnson, who was a graduate of 1922 and head of S.C. Johnson & Sons.
I.M. Pei and his firm researched local materials in order to produce a unique mix of architectural concrete ideal for this specific building and location. This was mixed with sand and small course stone aggregate, then poured into a framework of boards and panels which created the surface pattern.
The concrete walls tower to 107 feet.
A Narrow tower and a brick.
With a desire to make a dramatic statement while maintaining an optimal amount of scenic views, transparent open spaces and windows beautifully contrast the heaviness and boldness of the rectangular forms of concrete
I.M. Pei
Ithaca was carved out by glaciers that formed gorges millions of years ago. Fall Creek Gorge sits behind the Johnson, providing a dramatic natural landscape.
An outdoor Japanese garden was created outside the exterior of the 1st floor. The Johnson has over 35,000 works including a world class Asian collection. Other works of art include pieces by Goya, Degas, Warhol, Matisse, Manet, windows by Frank L. Wright, and signature paintings by members of the Hudson River School.
From the museum’s website:
At the opening in 1973, I. M. Pei focused his remarks on the significant role the site played in the design solution, noting he was not certain at the outset whether it was viable to place a building on this site which could balance deference with presence, relating to the dramatic landscape and to the historic buildings on the Arts Quad. He said that he no longer had any doubt as to the appropriateness of the solution. It had engaged the site with its interplay of solid and void, and maintained an architectural relationship with the buildings of the Quad through its basically rectangular form.
Open
Tues–Sun, 10AM–5PM
Closed Mondays and
December 25–January 1
The Broken Spear Vision 