Artistry Magazine Highlights Restoration of Knowles Memorial Chapel and Expansion of Rollins Museum of Art

The historic Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins is preparing for its most comprehensive restoration to date. Originally donated by Frances Knowles Warren in memory of her father, Francis Bangs Knowles—a college founder and trustee—the chapel has served as an iconic centerpiece of the campus for nearly a century. Former college president Hamilton Holt considered the Mediterranean-style structure the crown jewel of his administration, using its sanctuary to bestow honorary degrees upon national leaders, including U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. To preserve the aging landmark for future generations, the college plans to apply for a grant from the Florida Historical Commission to support critical work. The upcoming scope includes masonry and roof repairs, stained-glass window conservation, accessibility upgrades, and fundamental mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and climate-control enhancements.

Simultaneously, Rollins College is expanding its cultural reach through the Innovation Triangle, a new multi-disciplinary campus extension. The project occupies a 2.37-acre city block formerly known as the Lawrence Center, bounded by New England, Interlachen, Lyman, and Knowles avenues. The centerpiece of this initiative is a new 32,000-square-foot facility for the Rollins Museum of Art, designed by the architecture firm Frederick Fisher & Partners.

Scheduled to open in early 2027 directly across from The Alfond Inn, the state-of-the-art building offers more than triple the space of the original campus location. Executive Director Leslie Anne Anderson will oversee the expansion, which provides additional gallery space to display the institution's 6,000-piece collection, ranging from pre-modern works and Old Masters to contemporary art. Funded through private contributions and a $10 million Tourist Development Tax grant from Orange County, the facility will feature a custom lobby mural by artist Judy Ledgerwood, set to preview in September 2026 before the inaugural exhibition, With Love, Rollins Museum of Art, opens in January 2027. The museum also maintains a partnership with The Alfond Inn, displaying roughly 140 pieces from the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art in its public spaces.

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