American Institute of Architects Presents 2020 Architecture Award to Thomas Phifer and Partners for Glenstone Museum

AIA New York Chapter Names Glenstone Museum
Best in Competition for 2020 AIA NY Design Awards

POTOMAC, MD, January 21, 2020 − The architect for the expanded Glenstone Museum, Thomas Phifer and Partners, today received the architecture profession’s highest national recognition, the Architecture Award, for the expanded Glenstone Museum and its Pavilions building. Given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the juried award celebrates the best contemporary architecture and highlights the many ways buildings and spaces can improve lives.

In addition to receiving the 2020 national Architecture Award, Glenstone Museum was selected as Best in Competition by the jury of the New York Chapter of AIA for the 2020 AIA NY Design Awards. The AIA NY award recognizes the design collaboration of Thomas Phifer and Partners and PWP Landscape Architecture.

In recognizing Glenstone Museum, the nine-member national AIA jury singled out for praise the “elegant materiality” of the Pavilions and the integration of the exterior within the site and the landscape.

Emily Rales, Director and Co-Founder of Glenstone Museum, said, “We’re thrilled that Tom and the entire design team are being recognized for their extraordinary work at Glenstone. Every element of the design, from the smallest detail to the way in which the building is sited so that it appears to rise out of the land, contributes to providing a seamless experience of architecture, art and nature for our visitors. We could not be prouder.”

Thomas Phifer, Founder and Principal of Thomas Phifer and Partners, said, “Every architect will tell you that you can only be as good as your client. My colleagues and I could not have received this recognition without Emily and Mitch Rales. They had both the vision and determination that it takes to create an exceptional project and worked tirelessly with all of us to make sure Glenstone would live up to their aspirations. It’s been quite a journey. I’m immensely grateful that at the end of it, we’ve given the public something so special to enjoy.”

About Glenstone

Glenstone, a museum of modern and contemporary art, is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. Established by the not-for-profit Glenstone Foundation, the museum opened in 2006 and provides a contemplative, intimate setting for experiencing iconic works of art and architecture within a natural environment.

Glenstone is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are also invited to explore the grounds or participate in self-guided sculpture tours from 12 to 4 pm, when guides are present.   Admission to Glenstone is free and visits can be scheduled online at: glenstonestag.wpengine.com. Same-day visits can be scheduled using the website or a smartphone.

Media inquiries: press@glenstone.org

General inquiries: info@glenstone.org

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