The Atrium is the first thing you walk into when you enter our facility. Many things were reused from the original structure to complete the look. This area serves many functions in our operations, such as the entrance for all guests and visitors, cooking classes, small group projects, and event bar service.
Design – Crates and pallets were reused in the architecture of the building to create a rustic look (while environmentally friendly). They are used as the pillar surroundings and the backsplash in the kitchen area.
Sandblasting – Many areas of the building were painted white, including the stone and wood pillars and beams. In order to restore the original look and texture, the building was sandblasted.
Wheat Cabinets – Wheat cabinetry is used in various areas of the Museum, including the kitchen. Instead of cutting down trees to make furniture, our cabinets were created out of leftover wheat straw. How? After a harvest, the stalk and other leftover particles are compressed and made into wheat cabinetry.
Skylights and Windows – Large skylights and windows provide the Museum with ample natural sunlight. This helps keeps the Museum’s energy bill low by not needing to turn on lights as often.
Motion Censored Lighting – Many areas of the Museum, including the atrium and bathrooms, have motion centered lighting. In addition to security, motion censored lighting helps conserve energy in our facility by only turning on when the space is in use.
Bathrooms – Many of the features in the bathroom are motion censored, including the toilets, sinks, and hand dryers. This is energy efficient and water efficient because the fixtures only run when they need to and shut off when they are not in use. The sink sensor runs on a battery that recharges as water flows (a turbine is spun to recharge the power source for the sensor). All of the fixtures in the bathroom are low flow to prevent over usage of water needed.
Polished Concrete – The flooring in the atrium is a high polished concrete. It is very durable and very easy to maintain. The texture and look of the concrete gives it a “marble floor” feeling, while no buffing or chemicals are needed to maintain the flooring’s beauty.
Green Rug – The rug in the Museum’s entry is not only green in color, but is also made out of green materials. The bottom of the rug is made of 15% recycled tires and the top is made out of recycled pop bottles.
Low VOC Paint – The Museum’s walls are painted with a low VOC (Volatile Organic Chemical) paint. This reduces any harmful chemicals given off by most other paints.
Display Case – The abandoned, circa-1914 display case was donated by the Gorley family in 2009. It holds the building’s original burglar alarm and fire equipment, plus old Standard Oil Company oil and gas cans.
Standard Oil Company Signs – The Standard Oil Company occupied the building in the early 1900’s. The building to the north west of ours, which now houses an advertising firm, was previously a garage and was renovated a couple years before the Museum. At that time, the plumbing company started work in the old garage and was drilling into the floor. When the drill bit came back up, they expected to find dirt. When no dirt came back through the hole they decided to cut out a chunk of the concrete where they found a basement unexposed to sunlight for years. They found all of the original signs from the old Standard Oil Building. The company put most of the signs up for auction and the Museum actually had to buy back these original signs.
Kitchen Renovation – The kitchen was installed in the atrium to be used as a demonstration kitchen for classes. Professional chefs come in and use the stainless steel, gas stove kitchen for educational purposes. During our private events and weddings, this area is our where our bar service is held.
The Museum of Visual Materials has recently been voted as the #1 Sioux Falls Local Best for its banquet facility. The unique quartzite walls and rustic feel make it a charming choice for any event. Are you looking for a unique private party venue? The MoVM may be your perfect spot!