November 25, 2009

Biggs Museum Set To Expand Under Agreement With State

Museum receives additional space; State saves money

Dover – The Biggs Museum of American Art has entered into a strengthened partnership with the State of Delaware to take over full use of the building it occupies on Legislative Mall. Under the agreement, the museum will be able to use the first floor of the State-owned building to expand its exhibit space. The change will increase the size of the museum by over 7,500 square feet.

“This partnership gives the public greater access to a valuable museum while promoting economic development and creating cost savings,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This is another great example of Delawareans coming together to find innovative solutions.”

As part of the move, the State will improve access to, and visibility of, its Welcome Center and Galleries – previously located in the same building -- by moving them to the Archives Building next to Legislative Hall. The savings for the State from the efficiency created will total nearly $30,000 this year and $60,000 in future years, mostly from using less staff.

“With this new agreement, the Biggs can continue to grow as a major cultural attraction for Dover and Kent County,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The Biggs expansion fits into the our overall plan to improve the state’s Heritage Park by making Dover more of a destination point for visitors interested in our historic and cultural attractions. The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries’ move to the Archives Building provides a better gateway for Delaware residents and tourists to understand all the great assets our state capital has to offer.”

After the new lease becomes effective on January 9, 2010, the Biggs Museum – a private, not for profit, 501(c)(3) collection – will remain a full and active member of the First State Heritage Park, and the State of Delaware will continue to serve as the owner and landlord of the Biggs facility.

"At a time when museums across the country are facing their most challenging times, the Markell administration has worked diligently to facilitate this successful partnership,” said Biggs Museum Director Linda Danko. “We look forward to continuing to serve our public.”

The State and the Biggs Museum will share the cost of renovating the new space over the next few months, making it available for exhibits in spring 2010. The one-time cost of the improvements, some of which will lead to significant energy savings in the future, is estimated at about $100,000. 

The original trust agreement between the State of Delaware and Sewell Biggs was signed in 1989. This created the public-private partnership that continues to evolve today. Renovations to the Old Elections Building in Dover were completed in 1994, and the Biggs Museum of American Art took up residence on the second and third floors, with the State operating a Visitor Center on the first floor.