Cincinnati Art Museum plans expansion

CINCINNATI (AP) -- The 125-year-old Cincinnati Art Museum is planning a major overhaul and expansion estimated to cost at least $125 million.
The museum's board approved the plan, which involves the addition of at least 110,000 square feet of floor space, underground parking and an outdoor sculpture garden.
"This will allow us to do a better job opening up the collection and sharing it," board president Phil Vollmer said Tuesday.
The museum owns 60,000 pieces dating to antiquity.
The plan also requires tearing down the old Art Academy of Cincinnati building on museum property.
Museum renovation and expansion will not begin until a study can determine how much money can be raised and what funding sources are available. The plan also will require the approval of the museum's next director.
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