On April 14-15, 2006, a symposium was held at Pulitzer to discuss new museum architecture and the issues that arise during the selection, design, and construction processes.  Participants included representatives from institutions who had recently gone through a renovation or new building construction, as well as representatives from institutions in the planning phase for such an endeavor.  Among the museums represented were the Art Institute of Chicago, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Harvard University Art Museums, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Mildred Land Kemper Art Museum at Washington University, and the Pulitzer.

In addition to basic design considerations, participants discussed curatorial concerns; the relationship of the institution to its various constituencies; conservation concerns; exhibition challenges and potentials; accessibility to collections; accommodating crowds and providing visitors intimate experiences; professional relationships within the gallery or museum and with architects who plan the physical spaces; issues of light, finishes, and color; policies; and funding.  Approximately 20 people participated.