page 6 of 9

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum

Frank O. Gehry, architect Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum 1993 University of Minnesota view from across the west bank of the Mississippi River

How does this building fit in with its surroundings?

When architects plan buildings, they think about the site, that is, what other buildings or natural features surround it. The Weisman Art Museum is located in the middle of the University of Minnesota campus. Most of the other buildings on campus are made of brick.

Do you think the Weisman blends in or contrasts with the other buildings at the University of Minnesota? It actually does both! Besides the stainless steel, which definitely contrasts, three sides of the Weisman also are made of red brick.

The president of the University of Minnesota told Frank Gehry, "Whatever you do, don't build another brick lump!"