Viñoly’s intentions come across clearly, but instead of paying tribute to the Breuer building, the East Wing has the curious effect of diluting its impact and making it seem smaller, darker, and more subdued than it did when it alone commanded the north side of the museum complex. The juncture of the East Wing with the 1916 building, accomplished with a glassy bridge inserted into a neoclassical colonnade, is both more respectful of the original structure and more satisfying as a dramatic contrast between old and new.

What counts most now, however, is that the East Wing has given Clevelanders a beautiful new setting in which to enjoy beloved masterpieces of Impressionist and modern art. The work completed so far bodes well for the final product, which should rank among the best buildings in America in which to view art.

Steven Litt is art and architecture critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.