Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, US, is set to undergo a US$125m (£59.8m, 85.2m euro) expansion.

The development will increase the existing galleries and public spaces – designed by architect Cass Gilbert for the 1904 World’s Fair – to provide 82,452sq ft (7,660sq m) of new exhibition space for the museum’s existing collection of 30,000 works of art, as well as to accommodate touring exhibitions.

The additional space to the original east and south wings of the building – designed by London-based David Chipperfield Architects – will feature a new central staircase, an expanded café overlooking Forest Park and a new restaurant.

Ground breaking is expected in late 2008, with completion anticipated in 2011.

David Chipperfield said: “The Cass Gilbert building – the only remaining building from the 1904 World’s Fair – is integral to the museum’s history and identity.”

“The expansion will enable St. Louisans to enjoy even more of our wonderful collection in a building that takes full advantage of the museum’s magnificent setting,” added director Brent Benjamin.