The Leading Culture Destination Awards have been referred to as ‘The Oscars for Museums,’ for their role in recognizing institutions and cities around the globe for highlighting local culture, collaborating across sectors, and showcasing emerging destinations. And if the LCD Awards are the Oscars for Museums, then The Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has just won best picture for Central and South America.
The museum was awarded “Best New Museum of the Year – Central & South America” for its ability to address the future of the planet and lead the way in forward-thinking sustainable innovation.
The museum’s design is inspired by Brazilian culture and emphasizes sustainable design through its incorporation of natural light and use of water from the bay to regulate temperature. The roof and façade stretch almost the entire length of the Maua Pier while a reflecting pool filled with water from the surrounding bay gives the impression that the museum is floating. Additionally, photovoltaic solar panels on the roof adjust to the angle for the sun throughout the day for maximum solar intake.
The Museum of Tomorrow was also nominated for the ‘Museum Architecture of the Year’ award, but The Broad, a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles, won. Since the museum opened in December of 2015, it has already surpassed one million visitors and has become a symbol of the urban recovery of the Puerto Maravilha neighborhood.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Museums | Dec 1, 2016
Monumental museum features Fluropon to highlight heritage and high-esteem
The building is an important landmark for the nation, and is built on the last available spot on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Museums | Nov 18, 2016
Plans for the expansion and renovation of the Asian Art Museum in Seattle unveiled
LMN Architects is the architect and interior designer for the Bebb and Gould-designed museum.
Museums | Nov 17, 2016
The Guggenheim Helsinki has one final chance to become a reality
The museum’s fate will be decided with a final vote on a new proposal.
Museums | Nov 8, 2016
Museum of the Bible to use technology to bring the Bible to life
The museum will be two blocks from the National Mall and three blocks from the Capitol.
Museums | Oct 10, 2016
New, larger Statue of Liberty Museum being built on Liberty Island
The museum will look to complement the Statue of Liberty without drawing attention away from it
Museums | Sep 21, 2016
Design guidelines for museums, archives, and art storage facilities
Specialty Buildings Column Series, Part 2 of 6 [Click Here to Part 1]
Museums | Sep 19, 2016
Museums refine their mission in the digital age
Preserving history is still their core function, but museums are using fresh approaches to engage an easily distracted public.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Architectural model museum opens in Japan
The museum includes models from Japanese architects including Shingeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, and Riken Yamamoto.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Finnish government halts plans for Guggenheim Helsinki
Construction of the museum relied heavily on state funding, which has officially been denied.
Museums | Jun 17, 2016
Construction begins on new and expanded International Spy Museum in Washington D.C.
The building will have a glass veil that surrounds an enclosed black box, a setup that the museum hopes will add vibrancy to its new L’Enfant Plaza location.
