Johnson County Community College is enhancing its reputation as a significant cultural destination within the region through construction of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Measuring more than 38,000 square feet, the Nerman Museum will be the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region and the only contemporary art museum in Kansas.

Construction of the new museum began early in 2005; the public opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007.

The museum is named for Jerome and Margaret Nerman and their son, Lewis, in recognition of their lead gift in 2003 to help found an art museum for JCCC. The Nermans are among the region’s most prominent collectors of contemporary art.

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art features more than 12,000 square feet of exhibition space, including major temporary exhibition galleries, permanent collection galleries, a new media gallery and an intimate “focus” gallery. In addition, a project gallery will be devoted to area artists, a unique commitment.

The museum also houses Café Tempo (seating 110), a 200-seat auditorium, two art education classrooms for children and adults, art storage and preparation areas, and a museum shop. Joining the museum and the college’s new Regnier Center (housing credit and continuing education classes in computer applications, information technology and biotechnology) is a glass and metal atrium that will provide additional space for the café and public receptions.