Kiewit has a long history with the Joslyn Art Museum, beginning with its original construction in the late 1920s. Nearly a century later, Kiewit carried that legacy forward by delivering a $78 million expansion and renovation.

The project included a 42,000-square-foot expansion and 19,000 square feet of renovations, with additional upgrades across 100,000 square feet of existing facilities. A central feature of the work is the enhanced entrance hall, which provides flexible space for events and large gatherings.

Designed by Snøhetta in collaboration with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the concept for the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion was intended to mimic “clouds floating over a prairie.” The two-story, 42,000‑SF structure features only two traditional 90° corners. The remaining facades flow in concave and convex curves that merge with a gently sloping roof and historic buildings.

To achieve the design aesthetic of a “floating” pavilion, Kiewit’s in-house engineers developed a sequence for constructing the complex steel structure that supports the second floor using 40‑foot‑long cantilevers. Temporary columns held the weight until the structural steel and concrete decks were complete. They were then removed one by one and the structure surveyed to ensure precise tolerances.

Given the museum’s active operations, Kiewit developed detailed site logistics, phasing, and utilization plans to minimize disruption. The team worked closely with the museum to coordinate the safe relocation and handling of artwork and exhibits, ensuring their protection throughout construction.

With the expansion, The Joslyn now has 40 percent more gallery space, two additional classrooms and an upgraded lecture hall with new seating, new lighting and better acoustics.