The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Pasadena
LOCATION
Pasadena, California
PHOTOS
Mike Buck
Details
Visbeen Architects' journey into retail and cultural institutions began with a landmark project: the Metropolitan Museum of Art store at One Colorado in Old Town Pasadena. This historic shopping center provided the perfect backdrop for the Met's West Coast debut. The store marked Visbeen Architects' first official project after the firm's launch in 1992. It served as a pioneering endeavor for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as it was the first of thirty planned museum shops.
The challenge lay in translating the Met's grandeur and sophistication into a vibrant, accessible retail experience within the charming ambiance of Old Town Pasadena.
Visbeen Architects meticulously curated a design that seamlessly integrated the museum's iconic aesthetic with the local character. The result was a store that felt familiar and fresh, inviting visitors to explore a curated collection of art-inspired products.
This project served as a catalyst, establishing Visbeen Architects as a leading force in retail design and solidifying the Met's commitment to expanding its reach beyond its iconic New York City location.
