Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Expansion

Studio Ma has completed the design for a major expansion of Scottsdale’s Museum of the West in Old Town Scottsdale. The two-story, approximately 12,000-square-foot addition extends the museum’s capacity for world-class exhibitions while maintaining seamless architectural continuity with the original building.

Matched floor levels, carefully aligned openings, and integrated circulation between the first and second floors allow visitors to move easily between old and new spaces. Exterior materials, including custom Corten steel panels that will patina to match the existing façade, were selected to create a unified visual identity across the entire complex. At the ground level, a textured composition of gray standing-seam metal panels echoes the character of the original tilt-up concrete walls.

Inside, the expansion introduces flexible galleries supported by new building services and mechanical systems designed to meet the environmental requirements of museum-quality collections. Interior finishes align with the existing museum’s character, while new wood flooring elevates the experience within the expanded exhibition areas.

With this project, the museum gains the capacity to showcase even more of its globally recognized collections, strengthening its role as a cultural destination for Scottsdale residents and visitors. The design advances long-term sustainability through improved envelope performance, reduced heat gain, and climate-responsive material strategies.