The Museum is named after Nicholas and Jenny Taubman who donated upwards of $25 million to the Museum's $66 million dollar project. They were the largest donor(s) to the project.
Nicholas Taubman is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Advance Auto Parts, the only Fortune 500 Company located in the Roanoke Valley. Mr. Taubman currently serves as U.S. Ambassador to Romania, a post he has held since 2005.
The building is interesting for a number of reasons. First and foremost it is plunked down in a small corner of historic downtown Roanoke. In fact, you can see in one of the photographs that it abuts an historic building. There is absolutely no potential for future expansion as a result of the "poor" site location. The building is located on a corner, on two sides it is adjacent to roads, the rear of the building is adjacent to the railroad tracks and the fourth side is adjacent to an historic building. Second, the building is "ulta" modern and stands out in a sea of brick and mortar structures. It looks like a fish out of water. And third, there is no parking near the Museum. I hope you enjoy the photographs. They were taken last week when I had a chance to get out and about. Roanoke is about 14 miles from where we live out in the rural outskirts of the Valley.
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48 comments:
funky architecture. most museum of art have funky architecture.
Wow what amazing architecture, thanks for sharing.
Regina In Pictures
I went to Roanoke once for a meeting when I lived in Virginia. But that was long before the museum opened. It's nice to see something like this add to downtown, even if it's a bit out of context.
Great photographs, and a very interesting building.
What interesting architecture. I have been to Roanoke but it was a long time ago. If I go back I'll definitely want to check out that museum.
I love art museums and their architecture, but I am sad there wasn't a little more planning here with location and maybe making it fit in with the surrounding community.
Wonderful architecture and fabulous angles.
You must be very proud of your new museum!
Looks like a fascinating place to visit. When I was in high school I did a report on Roanoke for some reason. Too long ago to remember. lol.
Erin, the building is a piece of art, too bad it sits where it is. Probably a political venture.
superb compositions!!
Nice beautiful architectural structures. Love the reflection on the glass. Happy Tuesday.
the contrasting styles of architecture makes for an interesting skyline.
Interesting!
The surroundings too may develop sooner or later.
A most interesting and appealing building, despite it's shortcomings!
so beautiful place!!
That is quite a structure, but you're right - the location stinks. A building like this should be set in a park like setting where it can be appreciated from all angles. What were they thinking? Thanks for the photos and the narrative - very interesting!
The building is interesting, I love it that it looks so different when you change the point of view. I agree with Susie, though, a park would have been a better location for it.
It's such an interesting and unusual building - it looks magnificent! Thank you for your visit and greetings from Croatia.
Those glass "prisms" look similar to some of the ones we ave at various museums in downtown Raleigh. They also remind me of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
Bringing a project like this in for $66M was quite a coup! But it's odd (and a little disturbing) that they'd put a building like this in among historic sites.
Looks like the same architect that designed the Wachovia Tower here did that tall building in your background too. Maybe Raleigh and Roanoke have some mutual friends, eh?
We've driven by it several times, just haven't been inside yet, which I am anxious to have a look around!
My husband told me a while back, while driving past, that the locals don't like the building (or at least the ones he works with) perhaps because it is a "fish out of water"?
Art museums are wonderful places to find unusual architecture. Very cool.
What an interesting structure....thanks for sharing!
Here's My World
Vacation Contrast : Florida vs. North Carolina
Now that is definitely different. Wonder why they picked such a problematic location though? Interesting post... thanks for sharing.
Wonderful and interesting architectural style! And the Museum is huge! You have taken great photos of it.
Those are some fantastic buildings. I wonder who takes care of washing the windows! Have passed thru Roanoke a number of times - beautiful area. See ya next week.
What an amazing architecture in your world..I love it and nice photos too.
Thanks for viewing my world.
Have a nice day
It may be hemmed in, but it is really amazing architecture. I bet the exhibits inside are interesting as well. Thanks for visiting my post about the Hulks in Powell River. -- Margy
All the angles are so cool. Very cool shots.
Those were really great architecture photos. The location seems a bit strange when you describe it, but that must be part of the attraction. Compared to the old buildings it looks so alien!
What an amazing architecture !!
Such an amazing mix of architecturla designs. Very modern indeed! Thanks for sharing your part of the world
Very unusual building for that part of Virginia. How do the people of Roanole like it? You got some great shotsof it!
I just LOVE that sunshine!!! Makes for some very beautiful pictures!
Excellent post!
Beautiful building.
Thanks for report.
That is the most bizaare scene I've seen in a long time. So modern next to the old and right on top of it. What were they thinking? Oh well, I bet it's cool inside.
Beautiful!
What a shame I never made it down there in 23 years!
The architecture is amazing.
What a stunning building and an interesting "history". Thanks for popping by Through my Glass Eye!!!
Nothing better than a day at the museum (not a night, as the title of the movie would suggest). Interesting about it being penned in too. Such an architectural feet, but you've got to wonder: what where those architects thinking? Obviously not street smart!
I'm usually not too appreciative of modern architecture, but this is really fabulous!
I love art museums. Your photos make me want to go inside! Very cool architecture and great shots. Thank you!
Amazing architecture!
Wonderful shots of a great museum! Thanks for sharing.
I love art museums, and this looks like it has some wonderful treasures inside.
What a wonderful My world. I'm sorry I missed it because your photos a really neat.
What a wonderful eye you have for beauty. Love your blog and photos.
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