Restoration of the Artillery Sheds
The Chinati Foundation is undertaking a comprehensive restoration of the Artillery Sheds: two former military buildings that Donald Judd repurposed for the permanent installation of his 100 untitled works in mill aluminum (1982–1986).
Located on the grounds of the former Fort D.A. Russell, at the northeastern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, the installation is one of the clearest realizations of Judd’s thinking about art, architecture, space, light, and permanence. The restoration will preserve these relationships while addressing the buildings’ urgent physical needs.
History of the Sheds
“The art and architecture of the past that we know is that which remains. The best is that which remains where it was painted, placed, or built.” — Donald Judd, “Statement for the Chinati Foundation,” 1987
Constructed in 1939 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Fort D.A. Russell, the Artillery Sheds were built for large-scale mechanical work. Beginning in 1980, Judd replaced the garage doors with quartered glass windows of his own design and added curved metal roofs that doubled the buildings’ height. After four years of careful consideration, Judd finalized the installation of his 100 untitled works in mill aluminum in 1986, the same year the Chinati Foundation was established.
Restoration Goals
More than forty years after the installation was completed, the Artillery Sheds require comprehensive restoration. The project is guided by a central principle: necessary changes to the buildings and site must preserve the experience of Judd’s work and the relationship among art, architecture, changing light, and the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. This holistic restoration follows the buildings’ expanded recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2025 as part of the Donald Judd Historic District.
Protecting and Conserving the Art
Before construction begins, all 100 works will be documented and moved for the first time since their original installation. Chinati is developing the movement and conservation plan with Alfred Lippincott, one of the works’ original fabricators, and the Getty Conservation Institute.
Temporary relocation of the works will allow Chinati’s conservation team to examine previously inaccessible areas, deepen their understanding of the works’ construction and condition, and establish a comprehensive record for future care. Following restoration, the works will be returned to their original positions.
Roofs and Water Management
The roofs and gutters will be repaired and redesigned to prevent water infiltration and improve drainage. New systems will direct rainwater away from the buildings and into landscape and water-storage areas. Angled steel supports will create space for the improved drainage system while preserving the form of the curved roofs.
Glazing and Environmental Protection
More than 10,000 square feet of quartered window glass will be replaced with high-performance glazing that retains Judd’s design while reducing temperature fluctuations and dust infiltration. Low-energy systems will further protect the works without introducing visible equipment, artificial lighting, or constant mechanical noise.
Accessibility and Landscape
New pathways will connect the visitor center and parking area to the Artillery Sheds. Updated grading, bioswales, and rainwater-storage systems will improve drainage and fire protection while supporting the restoration of native grasses around the buildings.
Brick and Concrete Repairs
The historic brick and concrete will be cleaned, repaired, and repainted where necessary. These interventions will address deterioration while retaining the character of the original military buildings and Judd’s later modifications.
During the Restoration
The Artillery Sheds and Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum will be closed during the multi-year restoration. The remainder of Chinati’s collection will remain accessible through guided tours and open viewing, together with special exhibitions, artist residencies, educational activities, and public programs.
Chinati will share project updates, conservation research, archival material, and visitor information throughout the restoration.
Project Team
Architectural Design: Schaum Architects
Artwork and Conservation Consulting: Alfred Lippincott; Getty Conservation Institute
Structural Engineering: TYLin
Building Envelope and Fire Protection: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Landscape Consulting: Jim Martinez
Landscape Design: Dept.
Civil Engineering: SAM + BELLE
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing: Collaborative Engineering Group
Sustainability Consulting: Transsolar KlimaEngineering
Historic Preservation Consulting: Higgins Quasebarth & Partners