The demolition and construction of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s former Art Academy into the Longworth Wing included a 10,000 sf library and brought together 20,000 sf of previously scattered staff offices into a modern, open environment. Due to a destructive 1939 fire, a hasty 1940 reconstruction, and new earthquake building codes, the interior structure and entire third floor required a complete replacement. The new design resulted in a contemporary form emerging from the historic shell and is a visible expression of the Museum’s mission to illuminate layers of culture and history. Placing the Wing’s only publicly accessible area in this modern space was a critical convergence of image and function that incorporates a library, offices, meeting spaces, a monumental window for natural light, and a public terrace with panoramic views of the city.