Submitted by RSP Architects and Ryan Companies US, Inc.

As the world’s first global musical instrument museum, this 190,000-sq-ft building houses more than 12,000 instruments and objects, representing musical traditions from folk and electronic to ritual and classical. The facility will enhance music research, with the community benefitting from educational outreach.

Photo:Bill Timmerman

A 450-ft serpentine space serves as an organizing element uniting the entry courtyard with the interior spaces. The naturally lit two-story area orients guests as they move through the museum’s extensive galleries and collection. The performance theater is tunable to accommodate exotic acoustic instruments as well as electric instruments. The blending of Indian Sandstone, cherry wood and curved ceilings combine to mimic that of a well crafted instrument.

The judges were wowed by the exterior stone, the use of space and the teamwork of the project participants.

Owner: Musical Instrument Museum
General Contractor: Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Architect: RSP Architects with Rich Varda, FAIA
Engineers: David Evans and Associates; Meyer Borgman Johnson; Michaud Cooley Erickson; LSW
Landscape Architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
Subcontractors: W.D. Manor Mechanical Contractors; Delta Diversified Enterprises; Alliance Fire Protection; Sun Valley Masonry; Fabco Metal Products; Meyer and Lundahl Manufacturing; Chris Fischer Productions; Riggs Contracting; KT Fabrication; Berg Drywall; Barrett-Homes Contractors; Swanson & Youngdale; Arizona Hardwoods Floor Supply; Pennacchio Tile; ISS Grounds Control