The University of Miami Art Gallery at The Chapel
The historic 1948 chapel on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus has long been a landmark of architectural heritage. Following a meticulous renovation in collaboration with the Department of Art and Art History, the space has entered a new chapter as the University of Miami Art Gallery at The Chapel.
Midtown Video was selected to design and integrate the audiovisual systems for this revitalized space. The goal was clear: provide a contemporary platform for artistic production and critical dialogue while respecting the integrity of the landmarked structure.
High-Output Presentation in a Landmark Space
The centerpiece of the gallery’s main open space is a new high-performance presentation system. Because the gallery serves as a venue for lectures and faculty exhibitions, the technology needed to be powerful enough to overcome ambient house lighting without washing out the visual narrative.
- 10,000 Lumen Laser Projection: Midtown selected a high-brightness laser projector to deliver brilliant, color-accurate imagery even with the lights up.
- Precision Screen Integration: A 159-inch diagonal screen is mounted above the architectural arch. We used a system with an extended black drop, placing the bottom of the screen at a comfortable viewing height of 8 feet above the floor.
- Columnar Audio: To deliver clear speech and high-fidelity audio without distracting from the art, we installed two sleek column speakers on either side of the main arch. These provide targeted coverage, projecting sound forward into the primary gallery space.
Enhanced Flexibility for the Curator
In the side gallery, the focus shifts to digital media and rotating exhibits. Midtown installed three 55-inch commercial displays on specialized rotating mounts. This allows the curator—not the visitor—to orient each screen in either landscape or portrait mode depending on the requirements of the specific art piece.
Each display is backed by a dedicated small-form computer and USB data inputs, so playback remains stable and in high resolution, whether the content is a 4K digital painting or a video loop. For an intimate experience, each screen is equipped with headphone jacks and dedicated wall hooks.
Unified Control and Plug-and-Play Simplicity
Despite the system’s technical depth, the user experience is designed to be invisible. The entire gallery is powered by Crestron processing, allowing staff to power the projector, lower the screen, and switch between sources with a single interface.
The presentation workflow includes:
- A Sleek Podium: Equipped with HDMI and USB-C wall plates for direct laptop connection.
- Wireless Flexibility: Integrated Crestron AirMedia and Plug-and-Play pucks for wireless sharing.
- Audio Versatility: A dedicated presentation PC and Bluetooth receiver for background music, supported by handheld and belt-pack wireless microphones.
Built for the Long Term
At Midtown Video, we believe a system is only as good as its reliability. This project included a full-scale equipment rack with dedicated cooling to ensure the longevity of the hardware. Midtown managed every phase of the project, from the initial design and procurement to low-voltage city permitting and final programming.
As the gallery inaugurated its first exhibition, the 2026 Faculty and Staff Exhibition, it did so with a technical foundation that supports the University’s vision for the future. We are proud to have provided the University of Miami with a system that performs with precision and honors the history of the Chapel.
Interested in revamping your facility with Totally Awesome Systems? Book a consultation with Midtown Video today!