The firm, founded by Brad Cloepfil in 1994 in Portland, OR, is internationally recognized for its innovative arts, cultural and civic buildings, including academic art museums and art schools at higher-education institutions. Examples of the firm's work include the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.

The proposed University Art Museum would replace the existing Palmer Museum of Art and include expanded gallery and exhibition space, providing greater access to its 9,300-object collection; enhanced learning, creative and social opportunities for students; and areas for events and community gatherings, while continuing and expanding the Palmer Museum's role as a cultural, educational and scholarly resource for the Penn State community and visitors.

Under the plan, the existing Palmer Museum of Art building on Curtin Road and the signature bronze lion's paws that flank its front steps would remain, as a student-focused space. A task force has been assembled to determine exactly how the student space could be utilized.

“The new art museum would allow us to advance Penn State's teaching and research mission while serving as the cultural gateway to the University,” says Erin M. Coe, director of the Palmer Museum of Art. “The new facility would greatly expand public access to our growing collections in an exceptional setting while offering innovative and engaging experiences for our students, the community, and visitors from around the world.”

The proposed location of the museum is along Bigler Road near the entrance to the Arboretum, across from the Lewis Katz Building and adjacent to the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, with the exact site to be determined in consultation with the selected design firm.

“This project would fulfill our long-standing vision of the Arboretum as a venue for the arts as well as a place of beauty and education about the natural world,” says Kim Steiner, professor of forest biology and director of The Arboretum at Penn State. “The Arboretum is already one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the area. With this inspired partnership, I expect us to develop into a regional and national destination.”