Imagine a cultural district spanning 12 acres. This is the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum. It enriches the arts on the UT Dallas campus. The O’Donnell Foundation supports it with a generous gift.
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum marks a significant period of growth. This growth began in 2014 with the Edith O’Donnell Institute of Art History. Edith O’Donnell’s endowment established it. She wanted to approach art history through multidisciplinary research. This would be at a university on the cutting edge of science and technology. Dr. Richard Brettell envisioned convening spaces. These spaces would foster reflection and discussion. They would span the visual and performing arts, literature and science. The O’Donnell Athenaeum bridges UT Dallas and local communities.
In 2019, the Trammell and Margaret Crow family donated their Asian art collection. This collection contains over 1,000 works. These works come from Cambodia, China, India and other Asian countries. The Crow Museum’s collection spans from ancient to contemporary art.
Morphosis, a Los Angeles-based firm, designed the O’Donnell Athenaeum. They created a cohesive vision for the Athenaeum. Architecture and landscape combine to form a dynamic new district. A 2-acre plaza defines the heart of the project. Landscaped gardens and tree-lined walkways surround it. The plaza also includes an amphitheater and contemporary sculptures.
The first phase of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum is now open. It serves as a second location for the Crow Museum of Asian Art. It also introduces the UT Dallas Art Museums and the Brettell Reading Room. You’ll also find a conservation studio and a museum shop here. The second phase will feature a 680-seat performance hall. It is scheduled for completion in 2026.
The new facility features almost 18,000 square feet of exhibition space. This more than doubles the Crow Museum’s current gallery space. Large windows allow for ample natural light. The Brettell Reading Room is a quiet study space. It honors the late Dr. Richard Brettell. Twelve gallery spaces occupy the second floor.
The O’Donnell Athenaeum transforms UT Dallas. It provides spaces for the visual and performing arts. This allows students and the community to experience art and architecture.
The University of Texas at Dallas and the Dallas Museum of Art announced a partnership in 2023. This partnership celebrates the opening of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum. The Dallas Museum of Art loans significant artworks. UT Dallas faculty members and guest curators curate exhibitions.
The inaugural exhibition is titled “From Texas to the World”. It focuses on artworks donated by Eugene and Margaret McDermott among others. They also contributed to UTD as founders.
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum stands as a testament to the power of art. It enhances the university’s focus on science and technology. It creates a vibrant hub for the arts in North Texas.