Hirshhorn would go back to square one if Smithsonian bursts the Bubble

[frazzled]

1. Well, the Hirshhorn has always been important in contemporary art

Many significant shows originated there for decades, and it has been respected internationally for many years, certainly before Koshalek came there. The notion that Koshalek has somehow brought it to prominence, and that it will "go back to square one" is ridiculous.

That said, I find it sad that this article really says nothing about what the bubble really is: a needed expansion of space, and a structure designed by what is probably the most significant and intellectually daring artistic architectural team in the US: Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It will be a shame if it is not built. While most contemporary art museums in the US underwent huge building or renovation campaigns in the past decade—bringing the institutions much prominence (though sometimes putting them in the hole financially, especially after the recession hit), the Hirshhorn remains outdated. This is a very small expenditure compared to major renovation or a new building by a prominent architect.

Really sad it's not going forward.