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Exterior entrance of the Columbia Museum of Art at twilight with illuminated Columbia Museum of Art signage

Columbia Museum of Art

Project Summary

The Columbia Museum of Art has repeatedly selected M. B. Kahn as its trusted general contractor for multiple renovation and revitalization projects over the past five years. Our consistent performance—delivering projects on time, within budget, and without disruption to daily operations—has made us a reliable partner for complex, occupied facility renovations.

Located in a repurposed 1970s-era former Macy’s department store on Main Street, the museum blends historic Brutalist architecture with a modernized, postmodern exterior. M. B. Kahn successfully completed the initial 60,000-square-foot renovation in just 14 months, transforming the space into a vibrant cultural destination in downtown Columbia.

Throughout construction, the museum remained fully operational—continuing to welcome visitors and host major events, including private functions such as weddings. The project was delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, exceeding client expectations while supporting the museum’s mission as a leading arts destination in South Carolina’s capital city.

Major project highlights include:

  • Second-floor event space and restrooms

  • Three second-floor collection galleries

  • Second-floor catering kitchen

  • First-floor maker-space art studio

  • Main Street entrance and glass canopy

  • Main lobby area lighting and stairwork

  • Museum gift shop

  • Lower atrium area

  • First-floor reception area

  • First-floor interactive youth space

  • 17 existing collection galleries

  • Two first-floor art studios

  • First-floor catering kitchen

  • An additional project in 2025 included the removal of existing ceilings, installation of new exhibit support systems, construction of new exhibit walls, and a complete upgrade of exhibit lighting systems

The Museum released a study conducted by Miley Gallo & Associates, LLC showing the Museum’s economic impact within the community of more than $23 million, a more than ten-fold return on their investment. In addition to the money generated, the Museum supports almost 370 jobs in the area. More than 12,000 people visit the Museum each month and spend almost $8.2 million on lodging, food and beverages in the Columbia, South Carolina area. The CMA is a true economic boost to the City, and M. B. Kahn Construction is proud to have played a role in its continued success with these renovations.

Exterior entrance of the Columbia Museum of Art at twilight with illuminated Columbia Museum of Art signage
Interior of the Columbia Museum of Art atrium with a red and orange blown-glass chandelier above the gallery balcony
Interior of the Callie & John Rainey Gallery at the Columbia Museum of Art with bronze sculptures on pedestals
Interior meeting room at the Columbia Museum of Art with conference tables, pendant lights and tall windows
Exterior entrance of the Columbia Museum of Art at twilight with illuminated Columbia Museum of Art signage
Interior of the Columbia Museum of Art atrium with a red and orange blown-glass chandelier above the gallery balcony
Interior of the Callie & John Rainey Gallery at the Columbia Museum of Art with bronze sculptures on pedestals
Interior meeting room at the Columbia Museum of Art with conference tables, pendant lights and tall windows

With three major museum renovation projects under my belt, I can confidently say, it was the sincere and judicious care for the construction and aesthetic results that made M. B. Kahn one of the best construction companies I have every worked alongside. Since the completion of the project in February 2019, my visitor attendance has tripled; one new clear measure of success.

Della Watkins, Executive Director, the Columbia Museum of Art