Whitney expansion is canceled

In another example of cultural belt-tightening, Manhattan’s Whitney Museum of American Art confirmed Tuesday that it will scrap its plans to build an expansion, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, due to financial problems. The ambitious project, which unofficial estimates have pegged at $200 million, will be jettisoned as the museum seeks instead to build its $45-million endowment.

“I’d just reiterate what our director, Max Anderson, has made a point of saying -- like other museums we are focusing on building our endowment rather than expanding our facility right now. It’s not unusual, based on the economy and a combination of things,” said museum communications director Mary Haus.

The cancellation marks the third recent, museum-related blow to Koolhaas’ slate of projects. In November, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art put on hold plans for a massive Koolhaas redesign, estimated to cost between $200 million and $300 million, due to fund-raising difficulties. And in December, the Guggenheim Las Vegas, an exhibition hall Koolhaas designed for the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino was closed indefinitely because the Guggenheim was having difficulty raising funds for upcoming exhibitions.

Diane Haithman