Image: A new wing has been added to the museum

Maryhill Museum of Art in Washington, US, is to celebrate the opening of its new US$10m (EUR7.7m, £6.2m) extension this weekend (12-13 May) - the first expansion in its history.

GBD Architects of Portland have designed the new Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing, with the space adding a further 25,500sq ft (2,369sq m) of exhibition space to the attraction.

Facilities also include an education suite; a café and an outdoor plaza. The new building has views overlooking the Columbia River Gorge and aims to secure LEED Gold certification.

The energy efficient design will also enable the new wing to use more than 43 per cent less electricity than a comparable building, with spring water utilised as a source of energy.

Museum executive director Colleen Schafroth said: "We have so much more space for public programs, a better café and most importantly, specially-designed storage for our collection.

"We couldn't have completed the expansion without the help of the Stevensons, and the many other supporters who believed in the project and donated to the campaign."

Details: www.maryhillmuseum.org

Image: Jim Semlor