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Museum seeks feedback on proposed mural; board warns about scale and brick maintenance
Summary
Representatives of the National Museum of Racing presented a conceptual mural to mark the museum’s 75th anniversary. The DRB provided guidance on scale and the visual impact on the brick elevation and warned that permanently painting brick can cause spalling and requires appropriate preparation and maintenance.
Museum officials presented a conceptual mural for the Ludlow side of the National Museum of Racing to mark the museum’s 75th anniversary and said they may seek a state arts grant to help pay for the work.
The board emphasized that while it does not review the artistic content, it does review exterior changes for visual impact. Board members expressed concern that the proposed mural could overwhelm the building’s brick face unless the artwork is inset with a brick border or otherwise scaled; others preferred no border so the mural reads as a painting rather than a painted rectangle. The board suggested the applicant present alternative mockups showing a border and a borderless option.
Commissioners also advised the museum to investigate long‑term maintenance issues for painting modern brick: Commissioner Chris Bennett cautioned that brick can spall when painted depending on brick type and mortar; the applicant’s artist (Celeste Susani) was encouraged to research substrate preparation and appropriate coatings.
The board offered conceptual feedback only; the museum was invited to return in the fall with final scaled art and technical details, including lighting plans for nighttime uplighting.
