The Portland Art Museum in the USA is turning 110 and doing it with style. It hopes to break ground this summer on a US$25m renovation of its North Wing.

A dynamic, contemporary design is planned for this landmark to renew it as a cultural and civic resource for the City of Portland. The North Wing will feature the museum's new Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, fully-restored historic ballrooms, plus museum offices, library and programme spaces.

Ann Beha Architects is undertaking the project, which will provide 27,000sq ft f new gallery space, as well as access and all-weather connections between the museum's Belluschi and North Wing buildings through an underground gallery link. It will house a Northwest Film Center, a new café and upgraded kitchens, a 30ft glass overlook onto the Park Blocks area, landscaping and a south entrance, offices to bring staff together and upgrades to the whole facility.

In addition, the museum has scheduled a series of major exhibits in its anniversary year including Paris to Portland: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masters in the Portland Collections. In mid-May, the Portland Art Museum will play host to the annual American Association of Museums convention that attracts thousands of delegates.